South Africa stayed alive in their World Cup quest on Thursday. Teboho Mokoena's penalty kick in the closing stages earned them a 1-1 draw against Czech Republic in Atlanta.
Bafana Bafana's hopes of reaching the knockout stage for the first time remain intact. The result also stopped the Czechs from claiming what would have been a crucial win.
Michal Sadilek had given Czech Republic an early lead in the sixth minute. But South Africa refused to fold and fought their way back into the contest.
Late in the match, Mokoena stepped up and converted from the penalty spot. His composure earned his team a vital point in Group A.
Both teams now sit on one point apiece. Mexico and South Korea, who play later Thursday, lead the group with two points.
Czech Republic made an impressive start to the match. Patrik Schick, the Bayer Leverkusen striker, nearly opened the scoring in the first minute with a header.
Their early dominance paid off when Sadilek struck to put them ahead. It looked like they'd hold on for three points.
South Africa gradually found their rhythm as the game wore on. They stayed competitive and kept pushing forward for an equalizer.
Mokoena's penalty rescue in the closing stages changed everything. It felt like a lifeline for the South African squad.
Qualification for the knockout stage is still within reach for both sides. But they'll likely need victories in their final matches to advance.
South Africa face South Korea next in their final Group A fixture. Czech Republic must travel to Mexico City to take on the co-hosts at Estadio Azteca.
Everything will be decided when the group stage concludes. Both nations know their World Cup dreams depend on that final round.
