Football
MOKOENA RESCUES SOUTH AFRICA WITH LATE EQUALISER AGAINST CZECHIA
MOKOENA RESCUES BAFANA BAFANA! ⚽ Late penalty in the 83rd minute keeps South Africa alive
Atlanta, USA – South Africa earned a valuable point in Group A of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after holding Czechia to a 1-1 draw at Atlanta Stadium, thanks to a late penalty converted by Teboho Mokoena.
Czechia made the perfect start and took the lead in just the sixth minute. Adam Hlozek delivered a dangerous cross from the right, and Alexandr Sojka’s clever first-time touch released Michal Sadilek, who fired past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to put the Europeans ahead.
South Africa struggled to break down a disciplined Czech defence during the first half, but head coach Hugo Broos introduced 21-year-old talent Relebohile Mofokeng after the break, injecting pace and creativity into his side’s attack.
Despite several promising moments from the African side, Czechia’s back line, marshalled superbly by Ladislav Krejci, appeared on course to secure all three points.
However, the match turned in the closing stages. Pavel Sulc was penalised for a handball inside the penalty area, and South Africa were awarded a spot-kick in the 83rd minute. Teboho Mokoena calmly stepped up and sent goalkeeper Matej Kovar the wrong way, scoring the equaliser and keeping Bafana Bafana’s hopes alive.
The 1-1 draw leaves both teams on one point in Group A, with everything still to play for in their remaining matches.
Match Summary
Czechia 1-1 South Africa
Goals:
Michal Sadilek 6' Teboho Mokoena (Penalty) 83'
Venue: Atlanta Stadium Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026™ – Group A
Key Stat
Michal Sadilek scored the fastest goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 so far, finding the net after just 5 minutes and 8 seconds. The Czech midfielder surpassed Felix Nmecha’s previous benchmark, which came eight seconds later in Germany’s match against Curaçao.
Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match
⭐ Ladislav Krejci (Czechia)
What They Said
South Africa head coach Hugo Broos praised his team’s performance after the match:
"I'm very proud of my team. This is Bafana Bafana – we love good football, we are aggressive, and we create chances. Yes, we made mistakes, but I’m very proud of the performance today. Czechia are powerful and very tall. We did very well. It’s a little bit of a pity that it’s only 1-1, but now we have to win against Korea Republic, which will be very difficult too. If we play with the same mentality, it will be possible."