Sadílek scores early for the Czechs, but a costly handball by Šulc allows South Africa to rescue a valuable point in Group A.
South Africa kept its World Cup hopes alive with a dramatic late equalizer, earning a 1-1 draw against Czechia in the opening match of Matchday 2 in Group A.
The result leaves both teams with one point after two games, while Mexico and South Korea now have a golden opportunity to secure qualification to the Round of 32 with a victory in their upcoming meeting.
Czechia appeared on course for its first win of the tournament after taking an early lead and controlling most of the contest, but a late defensive mistake proved costly.
The breakthrough arrived after just six minutes.
A terrible misunderstanding in the South African back line gifted possession to Michal Sadílek, who showed composure inside the box and beat Ronwen Williams to put Ivan Koubek’s side ahead.
South Africa struggled to respond and looked vulnerable at the back, with its central defensive pairing enduring another difficult evening after the disappointing opening loss to Mexico.
Patrik Schick, the former Roma and Sampdoria striker, had opportunities to double the lead but never managed to make a decisive impact. Czechia’s inability to find a second goal nearly proved costly before halftime when goalkeeper Matěj Kovář misjudged an exit and presented Elias Mokwana with a golden chance. The South African attacker, however, could not capitalize.
The pace dropped considerably after the interval, with Czechia comfortably controlling possession and limiting Bafana Bafana’s attacking opportunities.
Just when the match seemed destined to end in a Czech victory, substitute Pavel Šulc handled the ball inside his own penalty area.
American referee Tori Penso immediately pointed to the spot.
Teboho Mokoena stepped up and calmly converted the penalty in the 83rd minute, securing a crucial point for Hugo Broos’ side and giving South Africa renewed hope heading into its final group match.
For Czechia, it was an opportunity missed. After leading for more than 75 minutes, Koubek’s team now faces a difficult final-round encounter knowing that only a victory may be enough to keep its World Cup journey alive.
Match Report: Czechia 1-1 South Africa
Goals: 6′ Sadílek (CZE), 83′ Penalty Mokoena (RSA)
Czechia (3-5-2): Kovář; Coufal, Hranáč, Holeš; Darida (55′ Šulc), Červ (78′ Zima), Sojka (55′ Zelený), Sadílek (67′ Souček), Krejčí; Hložek (67′ Provod), Schick.
Head Coach: Ivan Koubek
South Africa (4-2-3-1): Williams; Mudau, Mbokazi, Okon, Modiba; Adams (46′ Mofokeng), Mbatha; Appollis, Mokoena, Maseko (84′ Sebeleke); Rayners (66′ Makgopa).
Head Coach: Hugo Broos
Referee: Tori Penso (United States)
Yellow Cards: Mokoena, Mbatha (South Africa); Krejčí (Czechia)
Red Cards: None
Venue: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group A
