Teboho Mokoena’s late penalty cancelled out Michal Sadilek’s early opener as South Africa and Czechia played out a draw at Atlanta Stadium.
The result left both sides on one point in Group A of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Czechia coach Miroslav Koubek had called for a fast start, and his side responded accordingly. Adam Hlozek delivered a cross from the right, and Alexandr Sojka’s clever first-time touch released Sadilek, who fired the ball past Ronwen Williams.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos introduced Relebohile Mofokeng at the start of the second half and, although the 21-year-old showcased flashes of brilliance, a Czechia defense marshalled by the impressive Ladislav Krejci appeared set to secure victory.
However, Pavel Sulc was penalized for handball late in the match, and Mokoena calmly converted the resulting penalty, sending Matej Kovar the wrong way to earn South Africa a share of the points.
