South Africa and Czech Republic drew 1-1 at Atlanta Stadium on Thursday, with Teboho Mokoena’s spot-kick wiping out Michal Sadilek’s early goal at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The result left the sides on one point apiece in Group A of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Miroslav Koubek called for a “fast start” and his men responded. Adam Hlozek crossed from the right, and Alexandr Sojka’s canny, first-time touch released Sadilek, who lashed it past Ronwen Williams.

Hugo Broos introduced Relebohile Mofokeng for the second half and, though the 21-year-old duly flickered his genius, a Czech backline bossed by the impressive Ladislav Krejci appeared set to hold out for victory.

That was until Pavel Sulc was penalised for handball, and Mokoena sent Matej Kovar the wrong way from the spot.

Michal Sadilek scored the fastest goal at this World Cup after five minutes and eight seconds. Felix Nmecha took eight seconds longer to net for Germany against Curaçao.

Bafana Bafana will next meet South Korea in Monterrey, Mexico, on 25 June, and Bafana coach Hugo Broos is encouraged after the fight back against Czech.

“I’m very proud of my team. This is Bafana Bafana – we love good football, we are aggressive, we create chances. Yes, we made mistakes, but I’m very proud of the performance today. Czechia are powerful and very tall,” said Broos.

“We did very well. It’s a little bit of a pity that it’s only 1-1, but we just have to win the game against Korea Republic, which will be very difficult too. If we play with the same mentality, it will be possible.”

Courtesy of Fifa.com.