Bafana Bafana stay alive with late equaliser against Czechs

By Maxwell Kumoye 

 

  

South Africa kept their FIFA World Cup hopes alive after battling from a goal down to earn a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in a tense Group A encounter on Thursday.

With both teams having lost their opening matches, defeat would have left either side on the brink of elimination. Instead, a late penalty from Teboho Mokoena ensured South Africa secured a crucial point and avoided an early exit from the tournament.

The Czech Republic struck first in the sixth minute through Michal Sadilek, capitalising on a lapse in concentration from the South African defence. 

A long throw-in caught Bafana Bafana off guard, allowing Adam Hlozek to break down the right flank before setting up Alexandr Sojka, whose clever pass found Sadilek. The midfielder made no mistake, firing a first-time effort beyond goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

South Africa gradually grew into the contest and created several opportunities but struggled to break down a disciplined Czech defence for much of the game.

Their persistence was finally rewarded seven minutes from time when they were awarded a penalty. Mokoena stepped up confidently and slotted home the spot-kick to level the scores and spark celebrations among the South African supporters.

Despite the comeback, South Africa coach Hugo Broos insisted there was little reason for relief after the final whistle.

"I don't see a reason," said the 74-year-old tactician when asked if he felt relieved.

"I think that we played a very good game today, except for one moment in the beginning of the first half, where we were not concentrated, not focused."

The match also made World Cup history as, for the first time, both head coaches were aged over 70. Broos and Czech manager Miroslav Koubek, both 74, made significant tactical adjustments after disappointing opening-round defeats, with Broos abandoning his conservative approach and Koubek making five changes to his starting lineup.

The Czech Republic nearly made a dream start when Patrik Schick missed a clear header in the opening minute before Sadilek's early breakthrough.

Reflecting on the goal, Sadilek praised the build-up play.

"The pass was well orchestrated, well coordinated," he said. "But after we scored our goal, we somehow got carried away. We were too much in a block. We kept the opponent playing."

The draw leaves both South Africa and the Czech Republic on one point from two matches. With Mexico and South Korea both sitting on three points ahead of their meeting later on Thursday, the result means South Africa and the Czechs will likely need victory in their final group matches to stand a realistic chance of advancing to the knockout stage.