By Daily Review
South Africa fought back from an early setback to secure a valuable 1-1 draw against Czechia in their Group A clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Atlanta on Thursday.
Bafana Bafana looked destined for a second consecutive defeat after conceding inside the opening six minutes, but a late penalty from Teboho Mokoena ensured they earned a point and kept their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.
The result leaves both South Africa and Czechia with one point each in Group A, while Mexico and South Korea, who meet on Friday, have three points apiece.
South Africa made three changes to the team that lost to Mexico, bringing in Thalente Mbatha, Thapelo Maseko and Oswin Appollis, while Nkosinathi Sibisi, suspended Yaya Sithole and Lyle Foster dropped out of the starting line-up.
However, Bafana once again endured a poor start as Czechia took the lead in the sixth minute. Adam Hlozek and Alexandr Sojka combined brilliantly before setting up Michal Sadilek, who fired a left-footed effort past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
South Africa gradually settled into the game and created several promising moments. Appollis came close in the 12th minute when his deflected effort narrowly missed the target.
Khuliso Mudau also posed a threat down the right flank and nearly created an equaliser in the 37th minute, but his pull-back was intercepted by the Czech defence.
Mokoena had another opportunity before halftime but his powerful effort sailed over the crossbar, while Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar recovered after fumbling a cross to deny Thapelo Maseko.
Coach Hugo Broos introduced Relebohile Mofokeng at the start of the second half in place of Jayden Adams, but Czechia continued to dominate the early exchanges. Williams was forced into action with a fingertip save, while Ime Okon produced a crucial block to keep South Africa in the contest.
South Africa struggled to create clear-cut opportunities despite introducing Evidence Makgopa in attack. Their breakthrough eventually came in the 81st minute when Maseko’s long-range effort struck the arm of Pavel Sulc, prompting the referee to award a penalty.
Mokoena calmly converted from the spot in the 83rd minute, placing his effort into the bottom corner to level the scores at 1-1.
Both teams pushed for a winner during a frantic closing period, but neither side could find the decisive goal.
South Africa will conclude their Group A campaign against South Korea in Guadalupe on June 25, while Czechia will face co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City. Both matches are scheduled to kick off at 3:00 a.m. CAT.