Sports 18 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
South Africa snatch draw with late penalty, keeping World Cup hopes alive
South Africa secured a crucial 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in their second World Cup match, thanks to a late penalty that keeps their tournament hopes alive. Both teams now have one point heading into their final group stage games. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/world-cup/south-africa-salvage-draw-with-late-penalty-to-stay-alive--5501502
South Africa narrowly avoided early elimination from the World Cup by securing a dramatic 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic on Thursday.
Teboho Mokoena converted a penalty in the 83rd minute after a handball by Pavel Sulc, salvaging a point for his side who had trailed for over 77 minutes.
The Czech Republic had taken the lead in the sixth minute through Michal Sadilek, his second international goal and the fastest of the tournament so far. They were mere minutes away from their first World Cup victory since 2006.
Despite not registering a shot on target until the 74th minute, South Africa finished the match with more shots on goal (4-3) and greater possession (55%). Both teams had chances to snatch a late winner, but neither could capitalize.
The draw leaves both South Africa and the Czech Republic with one point from their opening two games, placing significant pressure on their final group stage matches against South Korea and Mexico, respectively. Neither nation has advanced past the group stage in recent World Cup history, with the Czechs last reaching the knockout rounds in 1990 and South Africa having never progressed beyond the group stage.
Adding to South Africa’s challenge, Teboho Mokoena will be suspended for their next match after receiving his second yellow card of the tournament.
Source: Daily Monitor