Qatar keep knockout hopes alive as Italy, Argentina and Portugal reach Round of 32

DOHA: Hosts Qatar kept their hopes of reaching the FIFA U 17 World Cup knockout stage alive with an absorbing 1 1 draw against South Africa at Aspire...

DOHA: Hosts Qatar kept their hopes of reaching the FIFA U-17 World Cup knockout stage alive with an absorbing 1-1 draw against South Africa at Aspire Zone’s Competition Complex yesterday.

Italy, Portugal and Argentina secured their spots in the Round of 32 after winning their respective group matches, as eight more games concluded in the group stage.

Belgium also delivered an outstanding performance, crushing Fiji 7-0.

After losing their Group A opener against Italy, Qatar started brightly as Yazan Mohamed fired into the bottom corner in the third minute, delighting the home fans at Mansour Muftah Pitch.

However, South Africa, winners over Bolivia in their first match, responded through Emile Witbooi, who headed in the equaliser in the 16th minute. The match remained a tightly contested affair, with both sides ultimately sharing the spoils.