Team Qatar hold South Africa to a 1–1 Draw in U-17 World Cup

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November 6, 2025
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6-November-2025

Team Qatar hold South Africa to a 1–1 Draw in U-17 World Cup

DOHA – Qatar claimed their first point at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 after drawing 1-1 with South Africa on Thursday at Mansour Muftah Stadium in Aspire, during the second round of Group A matches.

Yazan Hani opened the scoring for Qatar in the third minute, while Emile Wetoboye equalized for South Africa in the 16th minute.

With this result, Italy stayed on top of the group with six points after defeating Bolivia 4-0. South Africa follows with four points, Qatar has one, and Bolivia remains without points.

The match was competitive, with Qatar showing clear dominance in the first half through greater possession and sharper attacking play, especially down the wings.

Qatar struck early when Yazan Hani found space inside the box and calmly finished to give his team the lead. They nearly doubled it in the 14th minute through another chance for Hani, but the South African defense intervened just in time.

South Africa responded in the 16th minute, when Emile Wetoboye met a long ball with a precise header to level the score. Qatar continued to push forward, and in the 39th minute, Zaid Faisal forced goalkeeper Radebe into an excellent save to keep it 1-1 at halftime.

In the second half, Qatar remained organized and looked for opportunities on the counterattack under Spanish coach Alvaro Mejia. Issa Waleed was brought on to strengthen the attack, and in the 53rd minute, Tamim Al Qadi saw his shot denied by the South African goalkeeper. Later, in the 82nd minute, Waleed fired a strong effort just over the bar.

Neither side could find a winner, and the match ended 1-1. Qatar will meet Bolivia on Sunday in their final group game, while Italy will face South Africa.

The 2025 edition marks the first time 48 teams are competing in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, divided into 12 groups. A total of 104 matches are being played across eight Aspire Academy stadiums, with the final scheduled at Khalifa International Stadium. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed sides, will advance to the knockout stage.