ATLANTA — Teboho Mokoena scored a late penalty as South Africa fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic on Thursday and secure its first point of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The South African midfielder completed an emotional evening by converting from the spot in the 83rd minute after Pavel Sulc handled Thapelo Maseko’s long-range effort inside the penalty area.
Mokoena had been visibly emotional before kickoff, shedding tears during the national anthem as he reflected on his late grandfather.
“I know, wherever he is, he would be proud of me,” Mokoena said. “I just felt his presence in that moment. I thought if he was here, he would be proud of me because I know he believed in me when nobody believed in me.”
The Czech Republic had taken an early lead through Michal Sadilek in the sixth minute at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Alexandr Sojka provided the assist, and Sadilek finished calmly past South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Both teams entered the match seeking a response after opening-round defeats and knowing another loss would leave their hopes of reaching the knockout stage hanging by a thread.
South Africa showed greater resilience after the break and was rewarded when Maseko’s effort struck Sulc’s arm, giving Mokoena the chance to rescue a point.
The draw keeps South Africa’s qualification hopes alive in Group A following its 2-0 defeat to tournament co-host Mexico in the opening match.
“If we go on like that and if we can make another performance like today, I think we have a chance to go in the second round,” South Africa coach Hugo Broos said.
South Africa will face South Korea in its final group-stage match on Wednesday but will be without Mokoena, who is suspended after receiving his second yellow card of the tournament.
The Czech Republic, meanwhile, remains under pressure and will likely need a positive result against Mexico in its final group game to have a realistic chance of advancing.
Source: Saudi Gazette