World Cup draw: South Africa hold Czech Republic 1-1 as Mokoena converts late penalty

South Africa drew 1-1 with the Czech Republic at the World Cup after Teboho Mokoena converted an 83rd-minute penalty. Michal Sadilek scored early for the Czechs, but Mokoena’s calm finish levelled the match. With both sides beaten in their openers, the result keeps qualification hopes intact.

Teboho Mokoena went from visible emotion before kick-off to a key goal in South Africa’s World Cup match. South Africa drew 1-1 with the Czech Republic on Thursday. Mokoena scored from the penalty spot in the second half. The match took place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The equaliser came after a late incident in the Czech penalty area. Thapelo Maseko hit a long-range shot near the end. The ball struck the hand of Pavel Sulc inside the box. Mokoena took the penalty and rolled a low shot past Matej Kovar. The goal came in the 83rd minute.

World Cup draw keeps South Africa and Czech Republic alive

Before the match started, Mokoena was shown on camera during the national anthem. The footage showed tears moving down Mokoena’s cheeks. The later goal changed the mood for South Africa. The point also avoided a second straight defeat for both sides.

The Czech Republic had taken an early lead through Michal Sadilek. The goal came in the sixth minute. Alexandr Sojka set up the move with a pass. Sadilek then slid the ball past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to make it 1-0.

World Cup Group A pressure after opening losses

Both teams arrived under pressure after losing their first matches. Each side knew another loss would damage hopes of reaching the round of 32. South Africa had been criticised after a 2-0 defeat to co-host Mexico. The result also raised talk of another group exit.

South Africa has never reached the knockout phase at a World Cup. That record stayed even when South Africa hosted in 2010. The Czech Republic also needed a response after losing 2-1 to South Korea. The draw left both teams still able to qualify from Group A.

South Africa will play South Korea on Wednesday in the next Group A fixture. The Czech Republic will meet Mexico at the same time. With one point each from this match, both teams remained in the race. The final group results will decide who reaches the round of 32.

With inputs from PTI