South Africa kept their FIFA 2026 World Cup campaign alive on Thursday after Teboho Mokoena’s late penalty earned a crucial 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in their Group A clash in Atlanta.
The result preserved Bafana Bafana’s hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, while denying the Czechs a vital victory after an early breakthrough from Michal Sadilek.
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Mokoena rescues point
The Czech Republic looked set to claim just their second World Cup win as an independent nation after Sadilek struck in the sixth minute to put his side ahead.
However, South Africa battled back and were rewarded late in the game when Mokoena converted from the penalty spot to secure a valuable point.
The draw leaves both teams on one point, two behind Group A leaders Mexico and South Korea, who meet later on Thursday.
Czechs make fast start
Both nations entered the contest seeking a response after disappointing defeats in their opening World Cup fixtures.
The Czech Republic started brightly and almost took the lead inside the opening minute when Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick headed wide from a promising position.
Their early pressure eventually paid off when Sadilek found the breakthrough in the sixth minute, giving the Europeans a deserved advantage.
South Africa gradually grew into the contest and remained within touching distance before Mokoena’s late intervention rescued a point.
Qualification race remains open
The result means both teams remain in contention for a place in the last 32, although victory in their final group matches will likely be required to advance.
South Africa will face South Korea in their final Group A fixture, while the Czech Republic take on co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
With qualification still up for grabs, both sides know their World Cup fate will be decided in the final round of group matches.
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