Bafana Bafana kept their World Cup campaign alive after claiming a 1-1 draw against Czechia at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Czechia got off to the perfect start and took the lead as early as the sixth minute when Adam Hlozek pulled the ball back to pick out Michal Sadilek, who was left unmarked inside the box and he slotted the ball beyond Ronwen Williams.
South Africa had a chance of their own in the 12th minute when Oswin Appollis unleashed a strike from outside the box, but the winger’s attempt was deflected narrowly wide of goal.
Bafana should have levelled matters in the 16th minute but Thapelo Maseko was unable to direct his attempt towards goal.
South Africa grew as the game went on and saw most of the possession after half an hour of play.
Hugo Broos’ men nearly found the equalising goal on the stroke of half-time but Teboho Mokoena blazed his effort just over the bar.
The match went into the half-time break 1-0 in favour of Czechia.
Williams was called upon on two occasions early in the second half but the South African shot-stopper did well to make two good saves.
Broos opted to bring on fresh legs after the restart as Jayden Adams was taken off and replaced by Relebohile Mofokeng.
South Africa had an opportunity to level the match in the 50th minute when Mofokeng threaded a ball through to Mudau, who went down inside the box but there was nothing in it.
Broos made another change just after the hour break as Evidence Makgopa came on to replace Iqraam Rayners.
With 15 minutes left to play, Bafana continue to dominate possession but are unable to penetrate the Czechia defence as they go in search of an equalising goal.
South Africa were awarded a penalty in the 81st minute and Mokoena stepped up and made no mistake to slot home the spot-kick.
The South African mentor made another chance three minutes later as Thapelo Maseko was taken off and replaced by Kamogelo Sebelebele.
South Africa nearly took the lead in the 88th minute when Mofokeng unleashed a shot from just outside the box, but Matej Kovar was on hand to make the save.
Czechia had a chance to restore their lead in the fourth minute of stoppage-time but Lukas Provod dragged his effort wide of goal.
South Africa continued to press forward in the final stages of the game with many attempts on goal but were unable to score the winning goal as both teams settled for a point.
