Teboho Mokoena celebrates after scoring South Africa’s late equaliser against the Czech Republic
South Africa kept their hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time alive after securing a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in Atlanta.
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Teboho Mokoena converted a late penalty to rescue a valuable point after the Czech Republic had taken an early lead through Michal Sadilek.
The result leaves both teams on one point in Group A. They sit two points behind co-hosts Mexico and South Korea, who play later on Thursday.
South Africa will next face South Korea, while the Czech Republic travel to Estadio Azteca to meet Mexico.
Czech Republic Strike Early
The Czech Republic started with greater urgency after losing their opening match.
Patrik Schick nearly opened the scoring inside the first minute but headed wide from close range.
The breakthrough arrived five minutes later.
Adam Hlozek delivered a cross and Alexandr Sojka cleverly redirected the ball into the path of Michal Sadilek, who calmly finished past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The goal placed the Czechs on course for what would have been only their second World Cup victory as an independent nation.
South Africa Stay in the Fight
South Africa entered the tournament aiming to move beyond the group stage for the first time.
Coach Hugo Broos has rebuilt confidence since taking charge five years ago. Under his leadership, Bafana Bafana returned to the World Cup and finished third at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
However, South Africa struggled to create clear opportunities for long periods.
The Czech Republic had chances to increase their lead early in the second half but failed to find a decisive second goal.
Coach Miroslav Koubek later admitted his side missed opportunities to secure victory.
Mokoena Delivers Late Drama
Despite thousands of empty seats at Atlanta’s stadium, South African supporters created the louder atmosphere.
Their reward arrived seven minutes from time.
Thapelo Maseko’s effort struck the arm of Pavel Sulc and referee Tori Penso awarded a penalty.
Mokoena stepped forward and confidently scored South Africa’s first World Cup goal in 16 years.
South Africa nearly completed the comeback minutes later, but Matej Kovar denied Relebohile Mofokeng.
Both sides settled for a draw that may prove significant heading into the final Group A fixtures.
After the match, Hugo Broos said his team deserved more and insisted another performance of this level could still carry South Africa into the second round.
