South Africa stay alive after draw with Czech Republic

ATLANTA: South Africa kept their hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time intact after Teboho Mokoena's late penalty secured a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in Group A on Thursday.

Michal Sadilek had put the Czechs ahead early in the match, leaving them on course for what would have been only their second World Cup victory as an independent nation. But Mokoena converted from the spot late on to leave both teams still in contention for a place in the last 32.

The draw moved both South Africa and the Czech Republic onto one point, two behind co-hosts Mexico and South Korea, who were due to play later on Thursday. The result meant both sides would almost certainly need to win their final group matches to go through. South Africa next face South Korea, while the Czech Republic take on Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.

Czechs strike early

Both teams had opened their campaigns with defeats and were looking to respond quickly. The Czech Republic made the sharper start, with Patrik Schick, the Bayer Leverkusen forward and the most prominent name in the side, missing a strong chance inside the opening minute when he headed wide.

The breakthrough came five minutes later. Adam Hlozek delivered a cross that was cushioned by Alexandr Sojka into the path of Sadilek, who finished calmly past South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

South Africa are appearing at the World Cup for the fourth time and have never advanced beyond the group phase. Under Hugo Broos, who has been in charge for five years, Bafana Bafana have improved after previously failing to qualify for the tournament since 2002. The 2010 hosts also finished third at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, but their return to the World Cup has highlighted shortcomings in attack.

Penalty rescues a point

The Czech Republic had chances to put the match beyond reach early in the second half but failed to do so. Vladimir Darida delayed his effort when well placed, and Lukas Cerv then saw a long-range strike pushed over by Williams.

South Africa eventually found their opening seven minutes from time. Thapelo Maseko's shot struck the arm of Pavel Sulc and referee Tori Penso awarded a penalty. Penso was part of an all-female officiating team.

Mokoena converted confidently for South Africa's first World Cup goal in 16 years. The equaliser lifted the crowd, the majority of whom were backing South Africa. Five minutes later, Relebohile Mofokeng nearly found a winner, but Matej Kovar made the save.

The match was played in front of visible empty seats at the home stadium of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons. Spectators who were present also booed the mid-half hydration breaks despite the venue being enclosed and air-conditioned.

In the end, both teams settled for a point that could still matter when the final Group A matches are played next Wednesday.