A late penalty from Teboho Mokoena secured South Africa a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic football in Atalanta, which keeps alive both sides’ hopes of qualification from Group A at World Cup 2026.
After Patrik Schick headed an early chance wide at the far post, the Czechs – showing five changes from the 2-1 defeat to South Korea, including West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek dropped to the bench – took the lead in the sixth minute.
Adam Hlozek raced on to a throw-in down the right and cut the ball back to the edge of box where Alexandr Sojka fed Michal Sadilek to clip his finish past South Africa keeper Ronwen Williams for the quickest goal of the tournament so far.
South Africa, who had Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane sent off in their opening 2-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, looked for a response as Oswin Appollis’ 25-yard effort was deflected behind ahead of the first hydration break, which was met by a chorus of boos from fans at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where the roof was closed.
The tempo dropped heading towards half-time before Thapelo Maseko was played into the right side of the Czech penalty area, but his angled effort was cut out at the near post.