Overview
- South Africa fell to Japan 3-0 in the round of 32 at the FIFA U17 World Cup, ending their campaign in Doha.
- The match at Aspire Zone was goalless at halftime before Japan scored less than two minutes after the restart.
- Goalkeeper Lwandiso Radebe appeared to suffer a hamstring injury soon after the opener and was replaced, with two further goals conceded including one from a corner.
- Vela Khumalo had entered the tie expressing optimism and reporting a full squad available after progressing second in Group A behind Italy.
- The defeat leaves Mali, Morocco and Uganda as African representatives already through to the last 16.