After 16 years, Teboho Mokoena's 83rd minute penalty brings South Africa the very 1st goal & point for their country in 16 years. For Czech, they have to swallow the hardship of two consecutive winless matches and challendges ahead.
2026 World Cup
1-1
Match Report:
South Africa came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic on Thursday. The Czechs made the brighter start and took the lead after just six minutes when Michal Sadilek found space inside the penalty area to convert Alexandr Sojka's pass.
Bafana Bafana gradually grew into the contest and created a series of chances after the break. Evidence Makgopa forced a fine save from goalkeeper Matej Kovar with a powerful header, while Hugo Broos' substitutions injected fresh energy into the attack.
The decisive moment arrived in the 82nd minute when substitute Pavel Sulc was penalised for handball inside the box. Mokoena stepped up and calmly sent his penalty low into the corner one minute later to level the score. South Africa pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but the Czech Republic held firm as the two sides settled for a point apiece.
Line-ups
Czech XI: Darida, Vladimír Coufal, Tomas Holes, Schick, Michal Sadílek, Ladislav Krejčí, Kovar, Robin Hranac, Adam Hlozek, Lukas Cerv, Alexandr Sojka
Subs: Jaroslav Zelený, Tomas Chory, Jindrich Stanek, Lukas Provod, Soucek, Jan Kuchta, David Doudera, Pavel Sulc, David Zima, Lukas Hornicek, Mojmír Chytil, Denis Visinsky, Stepan Chaloupek, Hugo Sochurek
South Africa XI: Ronwen Williams, Iqraam Rayners, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, Khuliso Mudau, Oswin Appollis, Thalente Mbatha, Jayden Adams, Thapelo Maseko, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi
Subs: Ricardo Goss, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Sipho Chaine, Lyle Foster, Bradley Cross, Evidence Makgopa, Tshepang Moremi, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Relebohile Mofokeng, Samukele Kabini, Khulumani Ndamane