BAKU, Azerbaijan — South Africa’s U15 boys’ national team returned to winning ways with an emphatic 5-1 victory over the United Arab Emirates in the Tier B positional play-offs at the FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival on Thursday, 29 October 2026.

The Mzansi youngsters produced an impressive attacking display, with Bohlale Finger scoring twice, while Inganathi Saliwa, Neo Dhlamini and Osas Asubaja also found the net.

The victory keeps South Africa’s campaign moving in the competition’s placement stage, where teams continue playing to determine their final positions rather than being eliminated after a defeat.

South Africa respond with five-goal display

South Africa showed their attacking quality against the UAE, scoring five goals to secure a convincing win and recover from their previous setback against Portugal.

Saliwa, Dhlamini and Asubaja each contributed a goal, while Finger delivered the standout individual performance with a brace.

The result provided a timely boost for the young South African side as they seek to finish their tournament on a positive note.

Finger leads the scoring

Finger’s two goals made him South Africa’s leading scorer in the match, while Saliwa, Dhlamini and Asubaja completed the five-goal haul.

The spread of goals highlighted South Africa’s attacking depth and ability to find different routes to goal against the UAE.

The victory also offered encouragement to coach Selekedi Mogale as his side continued its development-focused campaign in Azerbaijan.

Ivory Coast or South Sudan await

South Africa will next face either Ivory Coast or South Sudan in the Tier B play-offs for positions 41 to 48.

The tournament’s format guarantees each participating team further matches after the initial group stage, giving players additional international experience and an opportunity to compete for a final position.

South Africa will aim to carry the confidence from their victory over the UAE into their next assignment.

Match details

• Competition: FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival 2026

• Stage: Tier B positional play-offs, positions 41–48

• Final score: South Africa U15 5-1 United Arab Emirates U15

• South Africa scorers: Inganathi Saliwa, Neo Dhlamini, Bohlale Finger (2), Osas Asubaja

• Next opponent: Ivory Coast or South Sudan

• Venue: Baku, Azerbaijan