South Africa kept their FIFA World Cup knockout stage hopes alive after battling to a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in Group A on Thursday in Atlanta.
Bafana Bafana recovered from an early setback, with Teboho Mokoena converting a late penalty to secure a crucial point at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Czech Republic took the lead in the sixth minute when Michal Sadilek finished from close range after a well-worked move involving Adam Hlozek and Alexandr Sojka.
South Africa gradually settled into the match and created several chances before halftime. Iqraam Rayners came close with a header, while Thapelo Maseko was denied from close range by goalkeeper Matej Kovar.
Coach Hugo Broos introduced Relebohile Mofokeng at the start of the second half as Bafana increased the pressure in search of an equaliser.
Their persistence paid off in the 81st minute when Pavel Sulc handled Maseko’s effort inside the penalty area. Mokoena stepped up and calmly converted the resulting penalty to level the scores.
South Africa pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but the Czech defence held firm as the match ended in a draw.
The result gives South Africa their first point of the tournament and keeps qualification hopes alive ahead of their final group match.
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