South Africa's under-17 team created history yesterday by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time as they beat Cameroon 3-1 in Niamey to secure a semifinal place at the African Championship.
An early goal from Katlego Mohamme followed by two from captain Nelson Maluleke set up a famous win at the Stade Seyni Kountche.
The top four finishers at the tournament in Niger qualify for the U-17 World Cup in Chile from October 17-November 8. SA finished second in Group B behind Mali, who beat the Ivory Coast 1-0.
Amajimbos finished on five points after draws in their first two group matches against the Ivorians and Mali, who finished top with seven points. SA now play Group A winners Nigeria in the semifinal on Wednesday but as the top four in the eight-team continental championship qualify for the world championship, they have already booked their ticket to Chile and achieved what no previous generation of young South Africa had before them.
The other semifinal in Niamey is between Mali and Guinea on Thursday. SA had to win yesterday's match and hope there was also a result in the other group game between the Ivory Coast and Mali.
Mohamme scored after just two minutes. Maluleke converted a penalty and then rammed in a magnificent effort to make it 3-1 before the hour mark.
Historic World Cup spot for Amajimbos
South Africa's under-17 team created history yesterday by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time as they beat Cameroon 3-1 in Niamey to secure a semifinal place at the African Championship.
An early goal from Katlego Mohamme followed by two from captain Nelson Maluleke set up a famous win at the Stade Seyni Kountche.
The top four finishers at the tournament in Niger qualify for the U-17 World Cup in Chile from October 17-November 8. SA finished second in Group B behind Mali, who beat the Ivory Coast 1-0.
Amajimbos finished on five points after draws in their first two group matches against the Ivorians and Mali, who finished top with seven points. SA now play Group A winners Nigeria in the semifinal on Wednesday but as the top four in the eight-team continental championship qualify for the world championship, they have already booked their ticket to Chile and achieved what no previous generation of young South Africa had before them.
The other semifinal in Niamey is between Mali and Guinea on Thursday. SA had to win yesterday's match and hope there was also a result in the other group game between the Ivory Coast and Mali.
Mohamme scored after just two minutes. Maluleke converted a penalty and then rammed in a magnificent effort to make it 3-1 before the hour mark.
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