Bafana Bafana came from a goal down to draw 1-1 with the Czech Republic and keep their hopes of progressing out of Group A alive following in their second World Cup pool match in Atlanta on Thursday.
The Czechs scored an early goal through Michal Sadilek in the sixth minute, while Teboho Mokoena converted a late penalty.
Both sides moved to one point in Group A, behind top sides Mexico and South Korea who meet at 3: 00 am SA time for their MD2.
The South Africans settled after 10 minutes and got their first shot at goal in the 12th minute after Teboho Mokoena et-up Oswin Appollis one of the three changes from the Mexico opener who took a shot from range but the ball deflected out.
A moment later Aubrey Modiba also took a range shot but also missed the target. There was a moment of a good combination between Modiba, Khuliso Mudau and Thapelo Maseko however the striker was beaten to the ball in the box.
The Czechs found only their second goal opportunity at goal 10 minutes from the break after Adam Hlozek set-up Tomas Holes but the latter was let down by his final touch.
There were two chances for Bafana to get an equaliser before halftime through Maseko and Mokoena from range both but both couldn’t convert respectively to trail at the break.
Hugo Broos brought on Relebohile Mofokeng for Adams at the start of the second half while the Czechs were unchanged. It was Bafana who survived pressure in the opening stages of the second half from Patrick Schik who got close to extending the lead.
Bafana received a lifeline inside the closing 10 minutes of the game when they were awarded a penalty after the Czech player touched the ball in his box.
Mokoena stepped up and converted to earn South Africa’s first point at the tournament. Bafana’s final group game is against the Koreans next Thursday.