2026 FIFA World Cup | Group A | Thursday June 18
- South Africa 1-1 Czech Republic
Teboho Mokoena’s coolly taken penalty kept South Africa’s World Cup dream alive as Bafana Bafana fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against Czechia in Group A on Thursday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Heading into the match after a 2-0 defeat to Mexico, South Africa desperately needed a positive result. For long periods, however, it looked like they would leave empty-handed after Czechia made a blistering start.
Michal Sadilek stunned South Africa by scoring after just six minutes, netting one of the fastest goals of the tournament. The early strike gave Czechia control and they carried their 1-0 lead deep into the second half.
But Hugo Broos’ side refused to give up. South Africa pushed forward in search of an equaliser and finally got their reward in the 81st minute when Thapelo Maseko’s effort struck the hand of Czech midfielder Pavel Sulc inside the penalty area. Following a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot.
Mokoena stepped up two minutes later and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to level the scores at 1-1 and spark celebrations among South African fans.
The result leaves both teams with one point from two matches after losing their opening games. While neither side has secured qualification, both remain in the race for a place in the knockout stage.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos praised his players for their response after the defeat to Mexico.
“I am very proud of my team when you see the reaction after the game against Mexico,” said Broos. “We play good football. We are aggressive, we had chances, but you need a bit of luck.”
The match also made history as the first men’s World Cup game officiated by an all American female refereeing team. Referee Tori Penso was assisted by Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt.
South Africa now face a decisive final Group A clash against South Korea in Monterrey on June 25, while Czechia take on Mexico in Mexico City.
Watch all the remaining 2026 FIFA World Cup matches live on GOtv and DStv’s dedicated FIFA World Cup channels – Everything Can Wait.
