World Cup: Mokoena’s Penalty gives South Africa hope in 1-1 draw

South Africa kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey alive with a 1-1 draw against Czech Republic at the Atlanta stadium. The second Group A fixture sees the Bafana Bafana cling on to hopes of a round of 32 qualification thanks to Teboho Mokoena penalty in the second half, as Hugo Broos’ side fought back […]

South Africa kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey alive with a 1-1 draw against Czech Republic at the Atlanta stadium.

The second Group A fixture sees the Bafana Bafana cling on to hopes of a round of 32 qualification thanks to Teboho Mokoena penalty in the second half, as Hugo Broos’ side fought back from conceding an early goal to dominating the second period before getting the deserved equalizer.

Captain Ronwen Wiliams appealed for support from Africans and everyone, and an 60,000-strong spectators turned up cheering for the South Africans’ every attacking play at the Atlanta stadium, and this spurred a late rally that nearly ended n all three points but was enough for a point.

South Africa conceded early against Mexico and it was the same story against Czech Republic who capitalized on a sleepy defence from a fast throw-in to get the ball across to Michal Sadílek who finished past Williams with aplomb on six minutes.

The Czech lost a lead in the first match to South Korea, and they lost control of the match in the second half, and got the deserved penalty when Thapelo Maseko’s shot struck the arm of Czech midfielder Pavel Šulc.

Mokoena buried the spotkick emphatically, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

Both sides lost their opening matches and went for the win here, but had to settle for a share of the spoils and cling on to hopes of qualification in their final group matches.

While South Africa, who have not played a goalless draw in World Cup history, will face South Korea, Czech Republic will simultaneously meet co-hosts Mexico.