South Africa kept their FIFA World Cup 2026 hopes alive after battling back to secure a 1-1 draw against Czechia in a tense Group A encounter in Atlanta on Thursday.
Bafana Bafana looked destined for a second successive defeat after conceding an early goal, but captain Teboho Mokoena held his nerve from the penalty spot late in the second half to rescue a valuable point for Hugo Broos' side.
The result leaves both teams with one point from two matches following opening-round defeats to Mexico and South Korea, respectively.
Czechia sit third in the standings with a goal difference of minus one, while South Africa remain bottom with minus two ahead of the final round of group fixtures.
Czechia made a blistering start and nearly opened the scoring inside the opening minute when Patrik Schick found himself unmarked at the back post, only to direct his header wide.
The Europeans did not have to wait long for the breakthrough. In the sixth minute, a slick attacking move carved open the South African defence as Adam Hlozek delivered a low cutback from the right. Alexandr Sojka cleverly allowed the ball to run through before Michal Sadilek drilled a precise finish beyond Ronwen Williams to register the fastest goal of the tournament so far.
The early strike gave Czechia confidence, and they dominated the opening exchanges, but South Africa gradually settled into the contest. Oswin Appollis fired their first effort narrowly wide before Elias Mokwana and Thapelo Maseko began finding space in advanced areas.
South Africa's best opportunity of the first half arrived when a dangerous cross flashed across the six-yard box, but Maseko could only steer his effort off target. The pressure continued to build as Bafana Bafana enjoyed long spells of possession, although they struggled to find a way through a disciplined Czech backline.
After the restart, Czechia almost doubled their advantage. Sadilek remained influential and nearly grabbed a second goal, while Williams was called into action to deny both Lukas Cerv and Schick as the Europeans threatened to take control.
South Africa, however, refused to surrender. Substitute Relebohile Mofokeng injected fresh energy into the attack, while Appollis and Khuliso Mudau continued to probe down the flanks.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 81st minute when South Africa were awarded a penalty after Pavel Sulc handled Maseko's shot inside the area. Mokoena stepped up and calmly sent goalkeeper Matej Kovar the wrong way, firing into the bottom corner to level the scores and spark celebrations among the South African supporters.
Buoyed by the equaliser, Bafana Bafana pushed forward in search of a winner. Mofokeng tested Kovar from distance, while substitute Evidence Makgopa forced another save during a frantic closing spell.
Czechia also had chances to snatch victory in stoppage time, with Schick and Lukas Provod both coming close, but neither side could find a decisive goal.
The draw means qualification remains possible for both nations heading into their final Group A matches, although neither can now afford a slip-up if they are to reach the expanded Round of 32.
For South Africa, the comeback represented a significant improvement from their opening defeat to Mexico and offered renewed belief that their World Cup journey may yet continue.
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