Teboho Mokoena converted a late penalty to rescue a crucial point for South Africa in a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic at the World Cup.
The Czech Republic made a dream start, taking the lead after just five minutes and seven seconds when Michal Sadilek met a clever lay-off and fired home the fastest goal of the tournament so far.
Having also fallen behind early in their opening match against Mexico, South Africa gradually found their rhythm and slowed the tempo of the game. However, clear-cut opportunities were hard to come by, with Bafana Bafana registering their first shot on target only in the 74th minute.
Their breakthrough eventually arrived with less than 10 minutes remaining when Thapelo Maseko’s powerful effort struck Pavel Sulc’s arm inside the penalty area, prompting the referee to award a spot-kick.
Mokoena stepped up and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, placing his penalty into the bottom-left corner to level the contest in the 83rd minute.
The draw leaves both teams with work to do in their quest to reach the knockout rounds, as Mexico and South Korea currently occupy the top two spots in Group A.
Nevertheless, qualification remains within reach for both sides. With the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the last 32 and three points potentially enough to secure progression, South Africa and the Czech Republic will head into their final group matches knowing everything is still to play for.
South Africa will face South Korea on 25 June, while the Czech Republic take on co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on the same day.
