September 18, 2026

South Africa salvage draw with late penalty after Czechs take early lead

Both teams now have a point after losing their respective opening games

South Africa salvage draw with late penalty after Czechs take early lead
South Africa's Teboho Mokoena celebrates scoring their first goal. REUTERS

bdnews24.com

Reuters

Published : 19 Jun 2026, 06:05 AM

Updated : 08 Sep 2026, 09:17 AM

South Africa scored a penalty seven minutes from fulltime as they fought back to draw 1-1 with the Czech Republic at the World Cup on Thursday after falling behind early in the Group A clash.

Teboho Mokoena slotted home the spotkick after Pavel Sulc's handball handed the South Africans a lifeline as they were staring at potential early elimination.

The Czechs led from the sixth minute when Michal Sadilek struck home after a clever slipped pass from Alexandr Sojka following Adam Hlozek’s delivery from the right wing.

Both teams now have a point after losing their respective opening games last Thursday.

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