Thambolinye Mzoneli of South Africa celebrates with teammates after scoring during the U17 World Cup Qualifier match between South Africa and Morocco. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)
The team, nicknamed Bantwana, secured World Cup qualification on the back of an emphatic 6-1 aggregate after winning the home and away legs against Morocco in the final qualifying round.
In Saturday’s away leg at the Stade Boubker Ammar, Sale, South Africa ran out 1-0 winners after a second-half goal by Stade Boubker Ammar.
Going into the match, the South Africans had run up a huge advantage after winning the first leg 5-1 at Dobsonville Stadium two weeks ago.
Safa President Dr Danny Jordaan was among the first hail Bantwana’s World Cup-qualifying exploits.
“I am really proud of your achievements; going to the FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of any football player’s achievements and you have done so in style,” said Jordaan.
“I promised you to go to Spain as part of your preparations and this will happen. It is part of us saying thank you and well done.”
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