Bafana Bafana kept alive their hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout rounds after a late comeback secured a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in their Group A encounter at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Thursday.
As South Africa appeared headed for back-to-back defeats for the first time in the tournament, Teboho Mokoena converted from the penalty spot with seven minutes remaining to salvage a point for the 1996 African champions. The Mamelodi Sundowns man cancelled out Michal Sadílek’s early goal for the European side.
It was a reprieve for Hugo Broos’ men after losing their tournament opener 2-0 to co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium seven days earlier. Bafana now need to beat South Korea in their final Group A match to boost their chances of securing passage to the Round of 32.
History beckons for Bafana to reach the World Cup knockouts for the first time ever, with a spot as one of the eight third-best group finishers, another avenue.
After some backlash for his defensive approach against Mexico, Broos went a bit offensive this time around. Oswin Appollis, Thapelo Maseko, Jayden Adams and Iqraam Rayners formed his attacking unit.
The Belgian reverted to two centre-backs, with Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Ime Okon as the twin central defenders, while Thalente Mabatha came on for the suspended Sphephelo Sithole.
Czech coach Miroslav Koubek made five changes to the side that started the 2-1 defeat to South Korea. Defender Tomas Holes, as well as midfielders Sadilek, Lukáš Červ, Vladimir Darida and TSG Hoffenheim striker Adam Hlozek were the new faces in the starting line-up.
Judging from an emotional Teboho Mokoena shedding tears as he sang the South African national anthem, the spirit in the Bafana Bafana camp seemed palpable. However, Broos’ men found themselves trailing as early as the sixth minute—reminiscent of their early concession against Mexico.
Some sloppy defending allowed Alexandr Sojka to pick out Sadilek, who coolly beat South Africa captain Ronwen Williams from inside the box.
MOKOENA’S TEARS OF BRAVERY FUELLING BAFANA BAFANA’S LATE CHARGE
It almost turned out to be a difficult afternoon for Mokoena when he was shown a yellow card in the 33rd minute for a late tackle. His World Cup group stage could be over; he will miss Bafana’s final match against South Korea after picking up his second booking of the tournament.
Despite committing more men forward, Bafana’s first meaningful foray came on the stroke of halftime when Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar punched the ball into Maseko’s path, only for the Sundowns star to see his effort blocked.
Just two minutes into the second period, Williams was forced to tip over a powerful strike from Červ, before quickly denying a headed effort from Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick. However, South Africa managed to fight their way back into the contest, sustained by a wave of late surges.
It was this sustained pressure on the Czechs that earned Bafana a penalty when substitute Pavel Sulc handled a Maseko shot inside the box. Up stepped Mokoena, who coolly sent Matej Kovar the wrong way to rescue a crucial point for Bafana. However, they even had a few chances at the death to seal a win, with Aubrey Modiba missing a golden opportunity.
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