Bafana fight back!

By Razeen Gutta

South Africa rescued their 2026 Fifa World Cup campaign with a late Teboho Mokoena penalty to draw 1-1 with Czechia at Atlanta Stadium on Thursday, keeping their knockout-stage hopes alive.

Bafana Bafana faced elimination after a second straight loss, but Mokoena’s 83rd-minute spot-kick secured their first World Cup goal in 16 years and a vital point in Group A.

Both sides now sit on one point, behind Mexico and South Korea who have three each ahead of their clash in the early hours of Friday morning.

Hugo Broos made three changes from the Mexico defeat, bringing in Thalente Mbatha, Thapelo Maseko and Oswin Appollis.

Despite this, South Africa again started slowly, falling behind in the sixth minute when Michal Sadilek finished past Ronwen Williams.

Bafana improved before the break, with Appollis, Khuliso Mudau and Mokoena all threatening, but Broos’ troops still trailed at the break.

Relebohile Mofokeng and Evidence Makgopa were introduced as the Bafana chased the game.

The breakthrough came when Maseko’s strike hit Pavel Sulc’s arm, and referee Tori Penso awarded a penalty. Mokoena converted calmly.

South Africa likely need to beat South Korea next Thursday in Guadalupe to reach the last 32, while Czechia face Mexico in Mexico City. Both games kick off at 03:00 South African time and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

Pictured above: Bafana Bafana

Source: @bafanabafanaofficial