Mokoena’s Late Penalty Keeps South Africa’s World Cup Hopes Alive

South Africa secured a crucial 1-1 draw with Czechia thanks to Teboho Mokoena’s late penalty. The result keeps Bafana Bafana’s World Cup qualification hopes alive. Coach Hugo Broos reshuffled his side with three changes. Suspended midfielder Sphephelo Sithole sat out, while Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis and Thapelo Maseko came into the starting XI. The team also adopted a more adventurous 4-3-3 formation. Czechia struck first in the fifth minute when Michal Sadílek finished off a swift throw-in routine. South Africa then dominated possession in the second half but struggled to find clear openings. Their persistence paid off in the 82nd minute when a handball led to a penalty, and Mokoena calmly converted from the spot. Czechia pressed for a late winner, but the South African defence stood firm. Bafana Bafana nearly snatched all three points with a slick passing move, but Evidence Makgopa fired straight at the goalkeeper. With one point from two matches, South Africa will need a victory in their final group game to keep their campaign alive.

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