South Africa rescued a crucial point and kept their FIFA World Cup hopes alive after battling to a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in their second Group A encounter.
The Czech Republic made the brighter start and went ahead just six minutes into the match when Michal Sadílek found the back of the net, punishing South Africa’s sluggish opening. Bafana Bafana struggled to respond in the first half as the Europeans controlled much of the possession and looked the more dangerous side.
Needing a result after their opening defeat, Hugo Broos’ men improved after the break and pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Their persistence finally paid off in the closing stages when they were awarded a penalty. Midfielder Teboho Mokoena stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to level the score and earn South Africa a valuable point.
The draw means both sides remain in contention for a place in the knockout stage, though South Africa will likely need victory in their final group match to stand any chance of progressing. Another slip-up would almost certainly bring their World Cup campaign to an end.
While the result was far from convincing, the late equaliser ensured Bafana Bafana avoided a second consecutive defeat and kept their hopes of reaching the round of 32 alive.
(The Whistler)
