No AFCON, no World Cup for SA U17 boys after going down to Zambia

Amajimbos lost 2-1 to Zambia in a tense match that was marred by one red card for each team as well as long stoppages thanks to VAR and the lightning.

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With the COSAFA Cup serving as a qualifier, the loss means that Khumalo’s charges miss out on the 2025 CAF U17 Men’s Africa Cup of Nations and, subsequently, the FIFA U17 Men’s World Cup. It was a case of so near yet so far for South Africa.

''It is painful. I remember when we played Zambia the last time I was coaching under 17, we won the game and we were supposed to go to Afcon, covid happened. So now we are at the very same stage again - I was hopeful and we lost, it is football what can we say. Such a bitter pill to swallow, I guess we move on,'' said Khumalo.

Zambia will face Angola in the final of the 2024 COSAFA U17 Men’s Championship on Friday (13 December) at the UJ Soweto Stadium at 3pm.

Both have also qualified for the 19th edition of the CAF U17 Men’s AFCON to be held in Cote d’Ivoire.

Khumalo rues the many chances his team created but failed to put away. Here’s how he summed up the match. Simphiwe Mulondo put the hosts into the lead before Abel Nyirongo equalized from the penalty spot.

Robert Banda ensured victory for Zambia with a goal in the 70th minute after a howler by substitute SA keeper, Lehlohonolo Mosia.

''Definitely not good results for us, considering how we prepared for this. One can say it is football, this what happens when you don't convert the chances. I don't remember Zambia really coming to us and posing any threats, I think it was one or two goals and the penalty. Thanks to our association SAFA for the support. I feel for these boys they played very well,'' added Khumalo.

The Kaizer Chiefs youth coach believes the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) could have also contributed to their defeat with the many stops and starts.

 Despite the setback in the 2024 COSAFA U17 Men’s Championship, Khumalo believes the future looks bright for many of the players in the current Amajimbos squad.

''I think our country is in a good development, we have a TD that is helping us. These boys will go to the under -19s and the under-23s, the future is bright,'' he expressed.