(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
South Africa keep World Cup knockout hopes alive after 1–1 draw with Czech Republic
ATLANTA: South Africa stayed in contention for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage after a 1–1 draw against the Czech Republic in their Group A match at the Atlanta Stadium on Thursday.
The Czech Republic took an early lead through Michal Sadilek, who finished calmly after an assist from Alexandr Sojka following a cross by Adam Hlozek.
South Africa fought back in the closing stages and were awarded a penalty after a handball by Pavel Šulc. Teboho Mokoena converted from the spot, securing a crucial equaliser for his side.
Both teams now have one point each, sitting two points behind group leaders Mexico and South Korea, who are set to face each other later in the day. South Africa will next play South Korea, while the Czech Republic will meet Mexico in their final group match.
Czech forward Patrik Schick missed an early opportunity, while South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made several key saves to keep his team in the match.
Despite limited chances, South Africa improved in the second half and pressed for an equaliser, eventually finding it through Mokoena’s penalty.
The result keeps both sides in the race for qualification, with their final group fixtures expected to decide their fate.
