South Africa drew 1-1 with Czechia in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A clash at Atlanta Stadium on Thursday.
Bafana Bafana looked set for a second straight defeat after Michal Sadilek gave Czechia an early lead in the sixth minute.
South Africa gradually improved and created chances through Oswin Appollis, Khuliso Mudau and Teboho Mokoena but went into halftime trailing 1-0.
After the break, Czechia continued to threaten, forcing key interventions from Ronwen Williams and the South African defence. Hugo Broos made attacking changes, and the equaliser finally arrived in the 81st minute when Thapelo Maseko’s shot struck Pavel Sulc’s arm, resulting in a penalty.
Mokoena converted from the spot two minutes later to earn South Africa a valuable point.
The result leaves both teams on one point in Group A, with South Africa facing South Korea and Czechia meeting Mexico in their final group matches next week.
