Czech Republic let victory slip away as South Africa struck late to draw in Atlanta

Teboho Mokoena’s late penalty kept South Africa’s World Cup hopes alive as Bafana Bafana held to a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in a thrilling Group A encounter in Atlanta on Thursday.

For more than 75 minutes, the Czech Republic looked set to claim their first World Cup win since 2006 after Michal Sadílek’s early goal put them in control of the contest. But a controversial handball decision at the end of the match gave South Africa a lifeline and Mokoena was right on the spot.

As a result, both teams have one point from two matches and face must-win situations in their final group stage matches if they are to keep their knockout round ambitions alive.

The Czech Republic got off to a perfect start, taking the lead after just six minutes with the fastest goal of the tournament so far.

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South Africa were caught by a long throw down the right wing and paid the price. Adam Hlozek, left unmarked on the right, raced towards the goal line before cutting the ball to Alexander Sojka, whose clever pass set up Sadílek to fire a first-time shot past keeper Ronwen Williams.

It was an ideal opening for the Czechs difficult for South Africa, who once again found themselves chasing the game.

BAFANA DANGER

Despite enjoying more possession for long periods, Hugo Broose’s men struggled to turn possession into meaningful opportunities. The Czechs were content to sit compact, absorb the pressure and wait for an opening to counterattack.

The best moment of the first half of the South African Republic came just before the break, when goalkeeper Matej Kovář spilled a routine cross into the box. Thapelo Maseko looked poised for an equaliser, but Czech captain Ladislav Krejčí responded brilliantly and pounced in front of the attempt.

The Czechs almost doubled their lead shortly after halftime. Lukas Cerv forced Williams into a sharp save from distance before Patrik Schick threatened from a corner as the Europeans came out strongly from the break. South Africa were trying to get that last ball. (Image: Reuters)

As the clock ticked down, South Africa were increasingly short of ideas. Their first shot on goal didn’t arrive until the 74th minute and it looked like the Czech Republic would comfortably see the result.

MOKOENA TO THE RESCUE

Then came the turning point.

With seven minutes remaining, referee Tori Penso pointed to the penalty spot after ruling that Pavel Sulc had handled the ball inside the area. The Czech players protested the decision, claiming Sulco’s arm was to the body, but the call stood.

Mokoena came on and showed remarkable composure, sending Kovar the wrong way before curling the ball into the bottom corner to spark jubilant celebrations from the South African supporters.

Both sides fought for the winner in a frantic finish. Lukáš Provod pulled an attempt just wide for the Czech Republic, substitute Evidence Makgopa forced Kovář into action at the other end.

However, neither side could find the decisive second goal, leaving them to settle for a draw that did little to ease the pressure heading into the final round of Group A matches.

The result also gives a big opportunity to Mexico and South Korea, who meet later on Thursday. A win for either side would secure a place in the knockout rounds, leaving South Africa and the Czech Republic fighting to stay alive on the final match day.

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Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

June 19, 2026 0:49 AM IST