Doha: The Qatari national team drew 1-1 with their South African counterparts in a match held Thursday at Mansour Muftah Stadium in Aspire, as part of the second round of Group A in the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, which continues until November 27. Yazan Hani scored for Qatar in the third minute, giving the Maroons their first point, while Emile Wetoboye equalized for South Africa in the 16th minute.
According to Qatar News Agency, with this draw, Italy maintained their lead in the group after their 4-0 victory over Bolivia, bringing their total to six points. South Africa has four points, Qatar has one, and Bolivia remains without any points.
The match was intense from both sides, with the Qatari team showing clear superiority in the first half in terms of possession in midfield and attacking attempts. They were also more effective on the wings. The Qatari youth team opened the scoring early in the third minute when Yazan Hani received a decisive pass inside the penalty area, unmarked, and slotted the ball into the net.
Qatar nearly doubled their lead in the 14th minute when Zaid Faisal set up Yazan Hani, but the South African defense thwarted the attempt. Emile Wetoboy then capitalized on a long ball into the box to head home the equalizer in the 16th minute.
Qatar continued to press, with Zaid Faisal having a chance to put his team ahead, but South African goalkeeper Radebe made a brilliant save in the 39th minute, leaving the score 1-1 at halftime. In the second half, Qatar maintained their composure and looked to exploit any weaknesses in the South African defense. Spanish coach Alvaro Mejia opted for a tight defensive organization and quick counter-attacks.
The coach made some changes in midfield, bringing on Issa Waleed to bolster the attack. In the 53rd minute, Tamim Al Qadi had a chance to put Qatar ahead, but the South African goalkeeper made a brilliant save. Substitute Issa Waleed almost gave Qatar the lead with a powerful shot from the left in the 82nd minute, but it went over the crossbar.
The score remained unchanged in the remaining minutes, ending the match in a 1-1 draw. Qatar will face Bolivia next Sunday in their final group stage match, while Italy will play South Africa.
This year's tournament features 48 teams for the first time in World Cup history, divided into 12 groups. A total of 104 matches being played across eight Aspire Academy stadiums, with the final taking place at Khalifa International Stadium. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stage, completing the 32-team lineup.