South Africa snatch late draw in Czech Republic to keep World Cup hopes alive
South Africa earned a 1-1 draw away to Czech Republic with a late penalty, keeping their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup alive.
The Czech Republic took an early lead after a throw-in from the right flank. A chaotic defensive clearance by South Africa allowed the ball to reach Michal Sadilek, who immediately shot to make it 1-0. After the goal, the Czechs ceded possession to the visitors, but South Africa struggled to create chances. In the first half, the Czechs had five shots on target and one on goal, while South Africa failed to register a shot on target. The visitors picked up two yellow cards, with Teboho Mokoena receiving his second booking, meaning he will miss the next match. Just before halftime, Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar misjudged a cross, causing a scramble in the box, but Ladislav Krejci blocked the subsequent shot. In the second half, South Africa pushed forward, and late in the game, a handball by Pavel Sulc led to a penalty. Mokoena calmly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner, with Kovar diving the wrong way, to level the score at 1-1.
