South Africa use late penalty to equalize in 1-1 draw with Czechia

South Africa and Czechia both take home a point following 1-1 draw.

Looking to bounce back from their lost to South Korea, Czechia wasted no time getting to scoring started.

In the 6th minute a Alexandr Sojka pass would find Michal Sadílek through onto goal where he’d bury it first time.

The remainder of the half would see both sides create several opportunities.

With South Africa’s best attempt came late into first half stoppage time.

Aubrey Modiba would launch a cross into the box where Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovár, attempted to snare it.

But Kovár could not cleanly control the ball, allowing it to bounce to the feet of South Africa’s Thapelo Maseko.

Maseko would try and quickly turn the ball onto net, but his attempt was blocked away by a Czech defender.

The halftime whistle would send Czechia to the locker rooms with a one goal advantage.

In the second half, Czechia would continue their press to find a second goal.

Through the 67th minute, however, neither side had been able to notch a second half goal.

For a majority of the second half, both sides jockeyed for possession, with a stalemate beginning to form.

But in the 81st minute, South Africa would receive an enormous opportunity.

A Thapelo Maseko shot on net would be blocked by Czechia’s Pavel Sulc, but Maseko would immediately appeal for a handball.

And moments later, a whistle from referee Tori Penso, followed by a point to the spot would give South Africa their golden chance.

Teboho Mokoena would be the man of the hour for the South Africans, stepping up to try and equalize to keep his country in the tournament.

Mokoena would send Kovár the wrong way as his coolly taken penalty rippled against the back of the net.

Both sides would find late game attempts, but neither could find the back of the net a second time.

And with the full-time whistle, the match would end in a 1-1 draw.

Czechia and South Africa will both play their final group stage matches at 9 p.m. on Wednesday.

Czechia will take on Mexico and South Africa will face off against South Korea.

Follow Adrian Murillo Silva on Instagram @adrianms_official

About the Author Published Jun 18, 2026

ADRIAN MURILLO SILVA

Adrian Murillo Silva covers both MLB and soccer news for Ball Exclusives. He has previously worked with other news publications such as The Lantern, the independent student voice of Ohio State.