Czechia 1-1 South Africa: Mokoena penalty rescues draw in World Cup group game

Czechia and South Africa drew 1-1 in a World Cup Group A match in Atlanta, with Michal Sadilek scoring early for Czechia before Teboho Mokoena rescued South Africa with a late penalty.

The result leaves both teams under pressure heading into their final group fixtures, with each still needing points to keep their tournament hopes alive.

Early Czechia lead

Czechia made the brighter start and were rewarded when Sadilek struck early. One report described it as the fastest goal of the tournament, and it gave Czechia the advantage in a match both sides badly needed to win.

For much of the game, Czechia looked set to protect that lead, but South Africa improved as the contest wore on.

Late equaliser

South Africa eventually found a way back when a handball call went against Pavel Sulc and Mokoena converted the resulting penalty.

The equaliser capped a late surge from South Africa and denied Czechia two valuable points. Coverage disagreed slightly on the quality of the decision, but not on the scorer or the final result.

Group A pressure

The draw keeps Group A tight and increases the importance of the remaining matches. Czechia are due to face Mexico in their final group game, while South Africa meet South Korea.

Both teams entered the match under pressure after earlier defeats, and the point each picked up may prove useful only if they can finish strongly in their last fixtures.