FIFA World Cup 2026: Czechia let victory slip as South Africa strike late to earn a draw in Atlanta

Teboho Mokoena’s late penalty kept South Africa’s World Cup hopes alive as Bafana Bafana fought back to secure a 1-1 draw against Czechia in a tense Group A clash in Atlanta on Thursday.

For more than 75 minutes, Czechia looked set to claim their first World Cup victory since 2006 after Michal Sadilek’s early goal gave them control of the contest. But a controversial handball decision late in the game handed South Africa a lifeline and Mokoena made no mistake from the spot.

The result leaves both teams with one point from two matches and facing must-win situations in their final group-stage fixtures if they are to keep their knockout-round ambitions alive.

Czechia made the perfect start, taking the lead after just six minutes with what remains the fastest goal of the tournament so far.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights

South Africa were caught out by a long throw down the right flank and paid the price. Adam Hlozek, left unmarked on the right, raced towards the goal line before cutting the ball back for Alexandr Sojka, whose clever pass set up Sadilek to fire home first time past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

It was an ideal opening for the Czechs and a difficult one for South Africa, who once again found themselves chasing the game.

BAFANA LACK THREAT

Despite enjoying more of the ball for long periods, Hugo Broos’ side struggled to turn possession into meaningful opportunities. Czechia were content to sit compactly, absorb pressure and wait for openings on the counterattack.

South Africa’s best moment of the first half arrived just before the break when goalkeeper Matej Kovar spilled a routine cross into the six-yard box. Thapelo Maseko looked poised to equalise, but Czech captain Ladislav Krejci reacted brilliantly to throw himself in front of the effort.

The Czechs almost doubled their advantage shortly after halftime. Lukas Cerv forced Williams into a sharp save from distance before Patrik Schick threatened from a corner as the Europeans emerged strongly from the interval.

As the clock ticked down, South Africa looked increasingly short of ideas. Their first shot on target did not arrive until the 74th minute and it appeared Czechia would comfortably see out the result.

MOKOENA TO THE RESCUE

Then came the turning point.

With seven minutes remaining, referee Tori Penso pointed to the penalty spot after ruling that Pavel Sulc had handled the ball inside the area. Czech players protested the decision, arguing Sulc’s arm was close to his body, but the call stood.

Mokoena stepped up and showed remarkable composure, sending Kovar the wrong way before rolling the ball into the bottom corner to spark jubilant celebrations among the South African supporters.

Both sides pushed for a winner in a frantic finish. Lukas Provod dragged an effort narrowly wide for Czechia, while substitute Evidence Makgopa forced Kovar into action at the other end.

Neither side could find a decisive second goal, however, leaving them to settle for a draw that does little to ease the pressure heading into the final round of Group A fixtures.

The result also hands a major opportunity to Mexico and South Korea, who meet later on Thursday. A victory for either side would secure a place in the knockout rounds and leave South Africa and Czechia battling to stay alive on the final matchday.

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