South Africa Equalizes Late to Draw 1-1 With Czech Republic at 2026 World Cup

Teboho Mokoena converted an 83rd-minute penalty to give South Africa a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Thursday, preserving the team’s chance to reach the round of 32. Michal Sadilek had put the Czech Republic ahead in the sixth minute after Alexandr Sojka played him in behind the defense; Sadilek slid the ball past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

The match remained 1-0 until the 83rd minute, when referee Tori Penso awarded South Africa a penalty after Thapelo Maseko’s long-range shot struck Pavel Sulc’s arm inside the area.

Mokoena struck the kick low past goalkeeper Matej Kovar. Mokoena received a second yellow card during the match and will miss South Africa’s next fixture against South Korea on Wednesday. ” Broos also stated: “I’m very proud of my team.

He added: “The Czechia team is powerful and very tall. We did very well. It’s a little bit of a pity that it’s only 1-1, but we just have to win the game against South Korea, which will be very difficult too.

Both teams entered the match with one loss each in Group A. The Czech Republic will next play Mexico at Estadio Azteca on Wednesday.