South Africa Snatch Late 1-1 Draw Against Czech Republic

South Africa rescued a point late on Thursday, drawing 1-1 with the Czech Republic in a Group A clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Teboho Mokoena converted a penalty seven minutes from full-time.

The spot kick came after Pavel Sulc handled Thapelo Maseko's shot, with referee Tori Penso pointing to the spot. Mokoena drilled it home to score South Africa's first World Cup goal in 16 years and give Bafana Bafana a share of the points they badly needed.

The Czechs had led from as early as the sixth minute. Michal Sadilek stroked the ball past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams after Alexandr Sojka cushioned a pass from Adam Hlozek's right-wing delivery into his path.

Both teams come into the match on the back of opening-day defeats, and the point leaves them two behind Group A leaders Mexico and South Korea, who face each other later Thursday.

The Czech Republic squandered chances to put the game out of sight in the second half. Vladimir Darida took too long to get his shot off, and Lukas Cerv's long-range effort was tipped over by Williams before South Africa fought their way back into it.

South Africa, now in their fourth World Cup appearance, have never made it out of the group stage. 

Coach Hugo Broos has steadily improved the side since taking charge five years ago, and the team returned to the global stage after missing out since 2002. Their run to third place at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations raised hopes, but their struggles in front of goal were on show again here.

South Africa next face South Korea, while the Czech Republic take on Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.