Teboho Mokoena’s late penalty kept South Africa’s hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout rounds alive as Bafana Bafana fought back to draw 1-1 with the Czech Republic in Atlanta on Thursday.
Michal Sadilek had put the Czechs ahead early, seemingly steering them toward just their second World Cup victory as an independent nation.
But Mokoena’s composed spot-kick in the closing minutes ensured both teams remain in contention for a place in the last 32, though each will likely need to win their final Group A fixtures to progress. The draw leaves both sides on one point—two behind co-hosts Mexico and South Korea, who meet later on Thursday.
South Africa now face South Korea, while the Czech Republic prepare for a daunting clash against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.
Both teams entered the match looking to rebound from disappointing opening-day defeats, and the Czechs wasted little time in making amends. Patrik Schick, the standout name in a Czech squad lacking the star power of previous generations, squandered a golden opportunity inside the first minute, heading wide from close range.
Just five minutes later, Miroslav Koubek’s men broke the deadlock. Adam Hlozek whipped in a cross that Alexandr Sojka deftly cushioned into the path of Sadilek, who coolly slotted past Ronwen Williams.
South Africa, making their fourth World Cup appearance, have yet to progress beyond the group stage. However, under coach Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana have enjoyed a resurgence returning to the World Cup after a 22-year absence and finishing third at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The step up to the global stage, though, has highlighted the squad’s lack of cutting edge up front.
The Czechs missed chances to put the game to bed early in the second half, with Vladimir Darida hesitating when well placed and Lukas Cerv forcing a fingertip save from Williams with a long-range drive.
Despite thousands of empty seats at the state-of-the-art home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, the crowd—largely supporting South Africa—made their voices heard, notably booing the mid-half hydration breaks in the air-conditioned stadium.
Their patience was rewarded seven minutes from time, when Thapelo Maseko’s shot struck Pavel Sulc’s arm. Referee Tori Penso, leading an all-female officiating team, immediately pointed to the spot. Mokoena stepped up and smashed home South Africa’s first World Cup goal in 16 years.
Bafana Bafana nearly grabbed a winner five minutes later, but Matej Kovar denied Relebohile Mofokeng from close range.
In the end, both teams were forced to settle for a point a result that keeps their knockout hopes alive ahead of Wednesday’s decisive final Group A matches.
