Czech Republic 1-1 South Africa: Mokoena's Penalty Rescues Vital Point for Bafana Bafana
At Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, South Africa earned a 1-1 draw against Czech Republic thanks to a 83rd-minute penalty from Teboho Mokoena, keeping their knockout hopes alive.
On June 19, 2026, Group A continued at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta as Czech Republic faced South Africa. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Czechia taking an early lead through Sadilek before South Africa equalized via a penalty in the second half.
Czech Republic started brightly, scoring in the 6th minute. A. Sojka provided the assist for M. Sadilek, who finished calmly inside the box to make it 1-0. South Africa dominated possession thereafter but could not find an equalizer before halftime, with the score 1-0 at the break.
South Africa continued to press in the second half. In the 83rd minute, they were awarded a penalty. Teboho Mokoena stepped up and converted, leveling the score at 1-1. Neither side could find a winner, and the match ended in a draw.
Statistically, South Africa held the edge: 17 total shots (4 on target) vs Czech's 14 (3 on target). South Africa enjoyed 62% possession, completing 563 passes at 90% accuracy, while Czech managed 38% possession and 339 passes at 80%. Corner kicks were even at 5 each. Fouls: Czech 12, South Africa 10. Expected goals (xG): South Africa 1.37, Czech 1.02.
The player of the match was South Africa's Teboho Mokoena. He scored the equalizing penalty, registered 5 key passes, 2 shots, and 97 passes, earning a rating of 8.0. Mokoena, 28, plays for Mamelodi Sundowns, was born in Bethlehem, and stands 176 cm tall.
In the group standings, Mexico leads with 6 points from two wins, followed by South Korea on 3 points. Czech Republic and South Africa are tied on 1 point, with Czechia ahead on goal difference.
For Czech Republic, a win against Mexico in the final round is necessary to keep qualification hopes alive. South Africa must beat South Korea and hope for other results to go their way.
Czech Republic's next match is against Mexico on June 25 at 09:00, while South Africa faces South Korea at the same time.
For more details, visit the match page, check out Czech Republic and South Africa team pages, or view the group standings.