South Africa kept their hopes of reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stage alive after Teboho Mokoena converted a late penalty to secure a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in Atlanta on Thursday.
The result leaves both teams with a chance of progressing from Group A, although victory in their final group matches is now likely to be essential.
The Czech Republic looked set to claim all three points after Michal Sadilek handed them an early lead. The midfielder calmly finished after a well-worked move involving Adam Hlozek and Alexandr Sojka, putting the Europeans ahead in the opening stages of the encounter.
The Czechs had opportunities to extend their advantage, with Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick missing a clear chance in the opening minute and further opportunities going begging in the second half.
South Africa, making only their fourth World Cup appearance, struggled to create clear-cut chances but showed determination to stay in the contest. Their persistence paid off seven minutes from time when Thapelo Maseko’s effort struck the arm of Pavel Sulc inside the penalty area.
Referee Tori Penso, leading an all-female officiating crew, pointed to the spot, and Mokoena confidently dispatched the penalty to score South Africa’s first World Cup goal in 16 years.
Bafana Bafana nearly completed the comeback moments later, but goalkeeper Matej Kovar denied Relebohile Mofokeng with a crucial save.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos praised his side’s performance despite failing to secure victory.
“I think we deserved more today because we played a very good game,” Broos said. “If we can produce another performance like this, I believe we have a chance of reaching the second round.”
Czech Republic coach Karel Koubek expressed disappointment that his side failed to capitalize on their dominance.
“We are sorry about the result because, looking at the chances, we were closer to victory,” Koubek said. “If we had scored the second goal, the match would have been over.”
South Africa will now face South Korea in a decisive final Group A fixture, while the Czech Republic face a daunting clash against Mexico as both nations battle for a place in the last 32.