South Africa keeps its World Cup hopes alive with a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic

A soccer player extends his right leg to kick a ball while another player runs alongside him
South Africa's Khuliso Mudau vies for the ball with Czechia's Jaroslav Zeleny, right, during the World Cup Group A soccer match between Czechia and South Africa in Atlanta, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Teboho Mokoena started the game with tears in his eyes and finished it with a smile on his face after converting a second-half penalty in South Africa’s 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic on Thursday at the World Cup in Atlanta.

Thapelo Maseko’s long range shot late in the match caught the hand of Czech opponent Pavel Sulc in the area.

Mokoena, who was shown on camera with tears rolling down his cheeks during the pre-game national anthem, stepped up to the penalty spot and sent his shot low past Czech Republic goalkeeper Matej Kovar in the 83rd minute.