Teboho Mokoena’s late penalty earned South Africa a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in Atlanta on 19 June, keeping Bafana Bafana’s hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time very much alive in Group A.
Michal Sadilek had given the Czechs an early lead and they looked on course for only their second World Cup win as an independent nation, but Mokoena’s composed spot-kick with seven minutes remaining rescued a point and sparked jubilation among the South African supporters inside the stadium.
Both sides move onto one point, two behind co-hosts Mexico and South Korea, who meet later on Thursday. South Africa next face South Korea, while the Czech Republic take on Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in their final group match.
The Czechs made the brighter start and should have been ahead inside the first minute when Patrik Schick planted a free header wide. They did not have to wait long. Adam Hlozek’s cross was cushioned by Alexandr Sojka into the path of Sadilek, who stroked the ball past Ronwen Williams on six minutes to give Miroslav Koubek’s side a deserved lead.
South Africa struggled to create clear openings in the first half, their lack of quality in forward areas evident throughout. The Czechs were left to rue missed opportunities to put the match beyond reach after the interval, with Vladimir Darida taking too long over a big chance before Lukas Cerv’s long-range effort was tipped over by Williams.
The turning point arrived when Thapelo Maseko’s shot struck the arm of Pavel Sulc, and referee Tori Penso, part of an all-female officiating team, pointed to the spot. Mokoena drilled the penalty home with confidence, scoring South Africa’s first World Cup goal in 16 years and sending the largely pro-South African crowd into delirium. Relebohile Mofokeng came close to completing a remarkable comeback five minutes later, only for Matej Kovar to save well.
South Africa, who have never progressed beyond the group stage across four World Cup appearances, are still very much in contention. Coach Hugo Broos has overseen a significant revival since taking charge five years ago, guiding the 2010 hosts back to the global stage after a 24-year absence and to third place at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Both sides will almost certainly need to win their final group fixtures to advance.
