Football U15: South Africa lose 2-1 to Portugal in Baku
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on South African Football Association
South Africa’s U15 team lost 2-1 to Portugal in the Round of 16 of the FIFA U15 Boys World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan. They are due to face the United Arab Emirates in a quarter-final for ranking places, according to the South African Football Association.
South Africa’s under-15 men’s team lost 2-1 to Portugal on Wednesday 28 October in a Tier B Round of 16 match at the FIFA U15 Boys World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan. The South African Football Association announced the result.
South Africa will face the United Arab Emirates in a quarter-final for places 41 to 48. The match is scheduled for 8.15am South African time. The UAE lost 3-2 to Iran, who will meet Portugal. All teams continue in the competition, with subsequent matches determining their final rankings.
Earlier on Wednesday, South Africa beat Malaysia 6-2 to reach the Round of 16. Its record in the tournament is four wins, one draw and two defeats: it beat the Maldives 8-0, Anguilla 13-1 and France 3-2, and drew 0-0 with Estonia.
The first edition of the men’s tournament is taking place in 2026. FIFA plans to hold a women’s edition in 2027, followed by separate competitions for both categories from 2028. The tournament aims to give young players international matches against teams with a variety of playing styles, according to the South African Football Association.
