Teboho Mokoena’s penalty helped keep South Africa’s World Cup dream of reaching the knockout rounds alive after a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in Atlanta on Thursday.
Key takeaways
- Mokoena scored a late penalty to rescue South Africa after Michal Sadilek had put the Czech Republic ahead early.
- The result leaves both teams with a path to the last 32, but South Africa and the Czech Republic are likely to need wins in their remaining Group A match.
- South Africa will play South Korea next, while the Czech Republic face Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.
- Sadilek’s first-half goal was the Czech Republic’s early reward for pressing after a disappointing tournament opener.
- Following a long gap, Mokoena’s strike gave South Africa their first World Cup goal in 16 years.
Early goal, late equaliser
Michal Sadilek broke the deadlock early, setting the Czech Republic on course for only their second World Cup win as an independent nation. South Africa, though, remained in contention thanks to Mokoena’s late spot-kick, ensuring both sides stayed in the running for qualification to the knockout stage.
For South Africa, the draw keeps pressure on ahead of their next outing against South Korea. The Czech Republic’s challenge is even tougher, with Mexico awaiting them at the Estadio Azteca.
Broos upbeat after a hard-earned point
South Africa coach Hugo Broos felt his team deserved more from the contest, saying they produced a strong performance and could still reach the second round if they replicate that level in their remaining games. He suggested that, even if the final result was only a draw, the spirit and standard shown should give them belief moving forward.
Both teams had endured disappointing starts to the tournament on opening day, with defeats in their first matches. The Czech Republic were quick to respond, however, and came out hungry to make amends.
Patrik Schick was the standout figure for a Czech squad that does not carry the same star power as past generations. Still, Schick missed a prime opportunity in the opening moments, heading wide after a chance that arrived within the first minute.
How the goal happened
Adam Hlozek provided the key moment in the build-up, delivering a cross that Alexandr Sojka cushioned intelligently into the path of Sadilek. The forward then finished calmly, placing the ball beyond Ronwen Williams to give the Czech Republic the lead.
It was a reminder that South Africa remain determined to go further than they have before. In their fourth attempt at the World Cup, they have never advanced beyond the group stage.
Broos has guided an improvement in fortunes for Bafana Bafana since taking charge five years ago. South Africa, who hosted the tournament in 2010, had gone without qualification since 2002 before finishing third at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations—an achievement that earned them a return to the global spotlight.
That return has also exposed gaps in quality, particularly in attacking areas. The Czech Republic, meanwhile, were left to feel they could have done more to end the contest earlier, especially after failing to turn their chances into a decisive advantage after the restart.
Speaking on the outcome, Koubek expressed disappointment, arguing that based on the opportunities the teams created, they were closer to victory. He added that scoring a second goal would have likely ended the match and left no room for a late comeback.
Atmosphere at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
There were large pockets of empty seats at the modern venue in Atlanta, the futuristic home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons. Yet the supporters who were present made their voices heard, particularly during the mid-match hydration breaks, which were met with boos inside the enclosed, air-conditioned stadium.
Most of the crowd backed South Africa, and their patience was rewarded with the equaliser seven minutes from time.
Penalty awarded and equaliser scored
Thapelo Maseko struck a shot that caught the arm of Pavel Sulc, leading referee Tori Penso—part of an all-female officiating team—to point to the spot. Mokoena then converted with confidence, scoring for South Africa at a World Cup for the first time in 16 years.
South Africa almost made it 2-1 five minutes later when Matej Kovar made a save from Relebohile Mofokeng.
In the end, both sides settled for a single point apiece—one that could prove crucial when the final Group A fixtures take place on Wednesday.
