Bafana Bafana kept their FIFA World Cup campaign alive after battling back to secure a crucial 1-1 draw against Czechia in their Group A clash on Thursday.
A late penalty from Teboho Mokoena rescued a point for South Africa after they had fallen behind in the opening stages of the match, leaving Hugo Broos’ side with everything still to play for heading into their final group fixture.
Czechia made the brighter start and nearly found the breakthrough inside the opening minute when striker Patrik Schick headed wide from close range. Their pressure soon paid off in the sixth minute.
A dangerous delivery from Adam Hlozek on the right flank was expertly cushioned into the path of Michal Sadilek by Alexandr Sojka, allowing the midfielder to calmly slot past South African captain Ronwen Williams to give the Europeans an early lead.
South Africa struggled to create clear-cut opportunities for much of the contest, with their lack of attacking sharpness once again evident on football’s biggest stage. However, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations bronze medallists remained determined and gradually grew into the match.
Czechia had opportunities to put the result beyond doubt in the second half. Vladimir Darida squandered a promising chance, while Lukas Cerv’s long-range effort was tipped over the crossbar by Williams to keep South Africa within touching distance.
The decisive moment arrived seven minutes from full-time.
A shot from Thapelo Maseko struck the arm of Czech defender Pavel Sulc inside the penalty area, prompting referee Tori Penso to immediately point to the spot. Mokoena stepped up with confidence and fired home South Africa’s first World Cup goal in 16 years, sparking celebrations among the thousands of Bafana supporters in attendance.
South Africa nearly completed a remarkable comeback moments later when Relebohile Mofokeng forced a fine save from Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar.
The result leaves both South Africa and Czechia on one point after losing their opening matches. They trail group leaders South Korea and co-hosts Mexico, who were set to meet later on Thursday.
Bafana Bafana now face a decisive encounter against South Korea, knowing that victory could secure a place in the knockout stages and make history by helping South Africa progress beyond the World Cup group stage for the first time.
Speaking after the match, Broos praised his players’ resilience and fighting spirit.
“I’m very proud of my team. This is Bafana Bafana, we love good football, we are aggressive, we create chances. Yes, we made mistakes, but I’m very proud of the performance today,” he said.
“The Czechia team is powerful and very tall. We did very well. It’s a little bit of a pity that it’s only 1-1, but we just have to win the game against South Korea, which will be very difficult too. If we play with the same mentality, it will be possible.”
Czechia coach Miroslav Koubek also expressed pride in his team’s display despite surrendering the lead.
“I rate that performance positively today. I can’t reproach the lads for anything; on the contrary, I can praise them. They gave it absolutely everything, and sometimes that might be more than a victory.”
With qualification still within reach, Bafana Bafana’s World Cup dream remains alive as they prepare for a must-win showdown against South Korea.