Teboho Mokoena scored a late equaliser as South Africa drew with Czechia 1-1 to record their first 2026 FIFA World Cup point at Atlanta Stadium on Thursday.
Both sides came into the game off the back of defeats in their opening matches as South Africa suffered a 2-0 loss to Mexico while Czechia were beaten 2-1 by South Korea.
The European side found the net early against Bafana Bafana through Michal Sadílek, who scored the quickest goal of the tournament so far to make the scoreline 1-0. The goal came just six minutes in as Czechia capitalised on South Africa’s defense falling asleep to lead the game.
However, Miroslav Koubek’s team were unable to add to their advantage, and they were eventually punished for it. In the 48th minute, they came close to making it 2-0, but Vladimír Darida’s shot was blocked. Patrik Schick missed another opportunity few minutes later, as his header was comfortably saved by Ronwen Williams.
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After dominating possession for most of the game, South Africa were eventually rewarded as they got a penalty in the 82nd minute following a handball by substitute Pavel Sulc. Teboho Mokoena stepped up and converted the spot kick, making it 1-1.
South Africa looked to find a winner in the closing stages of the match, but they were unable to find another goal, as both sides settled for a point each.
The result means that Czechia remain third in Group A with one point, above South Africa on goal difference. Both nations must now win their third and final group game to give them a chance of reaching the next round.
Czechia face co-hosts Mexico on Thursday, June 25 while South Africa will meet South Korea at the same time.
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