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

19 Jun 2026 02:15AM

ATLANTA, June 18 : 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.

(Writing by Mark Gleeson in Atlanta; Editing by Toby Davis)

Source: Reuters