- 2026 FIFA World Cup: Mokoena Rescues South Africa as Bafana Bafana Earn First World Cup Point in 16 Years
South Africa kept their FIFA World Cup 2026 hopes alive after battling from behind to secure a hard-fought 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in a crucial Group A encounter on Thursday.
A late penalty from midfielder Teboho Mokoena not only rescued a valuable point for Bafana Bafana but also delivered South Africa’s first World Cup goal and first World Cup point since their appearance at the 2010 tournament on home soil.
The result leaves both teams still searching for their first victory of the competition, with the race for qualification from Group A remaining wide open heading into the final round of matches.
The Czech Republic made the perfect start and stunned South Africa with an early breakthrough just six minutes into the contest. A well-worked move saw Alexandr Sojka find Michal Sadílek inside the penalty area, and the midfielder made no mistake, firing past South African captain Ronwen Williams to give the Europeans an early 1-0 advantage.
The goal handed the Czechs control of the opening stages as they looked to bounce back from their disappointing start to the tournament.
With experienced players such as Patrik Schick, Vladimir Coufal and Ladislav Krejčí leading the way, Czech Republic appeared comfortable and threatened to extend their lead on several occasions.
Bafana Bafana Fight Back
South Africa gradually settled into the match and began to show more attacking intent as the first half progressed.
Coach Hugo Broos urged his side forward after the break, and the African representatives responded with increased urgency.
The introduction of fresh legs from the bench helped transform South Africa’s attack. Evidence Makgopa came close to equalising when his powerful header forced Czech goalkeeper Matěj Kovář into an excellent save.
Oswin Appollis, Iqraam Rayners and Jayden Adams also posed problems for the Czech defence as Bafana Bafana pushed for a route back into the match.
The decisive moment finally arrived in the 82nd minute. Czech substitute Pavel Šulc was judged to have handled the ball inside the penalty area following a South African attack, prompting the referee to point to the spot.
With enormous pressure on his shoulders, the midfielder remained composed and calmly sent his penalty low into the corner in the 83rd minute, sparking wild celebrations among the South African players and supporters.
The goal was historic, ending a 16-year wait for a South African goal at the FIFA World Cup and securing their first point at the global showpiece since 2010.
Buoyed by the equaliser, South Africa pressed for a dramatic winner during the closing stages. The Czech Republic, however, managed to withstand the pressure and held firm defensively to ensure the points were shared.
While Bafana Bafana may feel they had enough momentum to snatch all three points, the draw keeps their qualification hopes alive ahead of their final group match.
For the Czech Republic, the result extends a frustrating run of two consecutive winless matches and leaves them facing a difficult task if they are to advance to the knockout stages.
