By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: @BafanaBafana.
South Africa played to a 1-1 draw with Czechia in Group A of the 2026 World Cup at Atlanta stadium, which keeps the chances of reaching the knockout stages alive.
Both teams now have a point after losing their respective opening games. Mexico and South Korea, both on three points, meet in Guadalajara later on Thursday.
Hugo Broos ditched his much-criticised conservative formation, while Czech boss Miroslav Koubek made five changes to his team.
Michal Sadilek opened the scoring for the Czechs with the quickest goal of the tournament after just six minutes, but they couldn’t convert on their early advantage.
A goal down at the break, Bafana Bafana opted for a change at the start of the second half by introducing Relebohile Mofokeng in place of Jayden Adams.
Yet it was Czechia who again started strongly, forcing a desperate block from Ime Okon and a finger-tip save from Ronwen Williams, as well as a headed chance for Patrik Schick which was straight at the Bafana Bafana keeper.
However, they continued to lack intensity and creativity on the ball, with no clear chances created until the 81st minute when Thapelo Maseko’s hopeful long-range shot hit the arm of Pavel Sulc and a penalty was awarded.
Teboho Mokoena took the spot kick and found the bottom corner of the net to make it 1-1 in the 83rd minute.
Neither side was able to find a late winner – Evidence Makgopa shooting straight at Matěj Kovar after a strong turn on the edge of the box – which leaves both countries still with some hope of making the last 32.
Czechia face Mexico at the Azteca in their final group game while South Africa take on South Korea in Monterrey.