South Africa kept their World Cup hopes alive after battling to a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in Atlanta on Thursday.
A late penalty from Teboho Mokoena rescued a valuable point for Bafana Bafana and preserved their chances of reaching the knockout stage.
The result leaves both teams with one point from two matches in Group A.
They remain behind group leaders Mexico and South Korea, who were scheduled to meet later on Thursday.
South Africa will face South Korea in their final group match, while the Czech Republic take on Mexico.
Both teams entered the contest under pressure after suffering defeats in their opening fixtures.
The Czech Republic started brightly and nearly took the lead within the opening minute.
Patrik Schick missed a clear opportunity when his header drifted wide of the target.
The Europeans eventually broke the deadlock in the sixth minute through Michal Sadilek.
A well-worked move saw Adam Hlozek deliver a cross that was cleverly guided into Sadilek’s path.
The midfielder calmly finished past South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to give his side an early advantage.
The goal placed the Czechs on course for what would have been only their second World Cup victory as an independent nation.
South Africa struggled to create meaningful attacking opportunities for much of the contest.
The team, appearing in its fourth World Cup campaign, has never advanced beyond the group stage.
Coach Hugo Broos has overseen significant progress since taking charge of the national team five years ago.
Under his leadership, South Africa returned to the World Cup after a lengthy absence.
The side also impressed by securing a third-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
However, their return to football’s biggest stage has highlighted shortcomings in the attacking department.
The Czech Republic created several opportunities to increase their lead during the second half.
Vladimir Darida failed to capitalise on a promising chance after delaying his shot.
Later, Lukas Cerv tested Williams with a long-range effort that was brilliantly pushed over the crossbar.
Despite dominating large periods of the encounter, the Czech side could not find the second goal needed to secure victory.
The breakthrough South Africa desperately needed arrived seven minutes before full time.
Thapelo Maseko’s effort struck the arm of Czech midfielder Pavel Sulc inside the penalty area.
Referee Tori Penso immediately pointed to the spot after judging it a handball.
Mokoena stepped forward and confidently converted the penalty to level the scores.
The strike was South Africa’s first World Cup goal in 16 years.
The equaliser sparked celebrations among South African supporters inside the stadium.
Bafana Bafana nearly completed the comeback moments later through Relebohile Mofokeng.
His effort was brilliantly saved by Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar, denying South Africa a dramatic winner.
In the end, both sides settled for a draw that keeps qualification hopes alive.
The outcome means the final round of Group A fixtures will determine which teams progress to the knockout phase.
For South Africa, the point offers renewed belief that a historic place in the World Cup last 32 remains within reach.
