South Africa salvaged a 1-1 draw against Czech Republic after scoring a penalty seven minutes from full-time after trailing early in a Group A World Cup clash in Atlanta on Thursday.
With both sides having lost their opening fixtures, are likely to require a win from their last group match to keep hopes alive of reaching the knockout rounds.
Teboho Mokoena scored a late penalty to rescue a point for South Africa and keep their World Cup hopes alive after they were close to losing their second straight defeat. The Czech Republic had taken an early lead through Michal Sadilek in the sixth minute.
Both teams now have one point each after losing their opening matches last Thursday.
It was a historic occasion as, for the first time at a World Cup, both head coaches were over the age of 70. The two 74-year-old managers made several changes to their line-ups after disappointing performances in their opening games.
Hugo Broos moved away from his heavily criticised defensive setup, while Czech coach Miroslav Koubek made five changes to his starting XI.
The Czech Republic started brightly. Patrik Schick missed an early header, but the pressure soon paid off. South Africa switched off during a long throw-in, allowing Adam Hlozek to collect the ball on the right. He reached the byline and cut it back to Alexandr Sojka, whose clever pass found Sadilek. The midfielder struck first time past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to give the Czechs the lead.
After taking the lead, the Czech Republic were happy to give up possession, but South Africa struggled to make the most of it. They found it difficult to create clear chances.
Oswin Appollis came closest with a long-range effort that took a deflection and went just wide. Just before halftime, Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar spilled a cross from Aubrey Modiba, but captain Ladislav Krejci reacted quickly to block Thapelo Maseko’s shot.
Broos made a change at the start of the second half, bringing on Relebohile Mofokeng for Jayden Adams. However, it was the Czech Republic who looked more dangerous, with Lukas Cerv forcing a good save from Williams with a powerful effort from distance.
South Africa struggled to break down the Czech defence and seemed to be running out of ideas. But they were handed a lifeline when Pavel Sulc was penalised for handball. Mokoena calmly converted the penalty, sending Kovar the wrong way.
The midfielder’s evening ended on a sour note as he picked up a yellow card, meaning he will miss South Africa’s final group match. South Africa were already without Themba Zwane, who is serving a three-match suspension following a red card in the opening game.
The Czech Republic will face Mexico in their final group match at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Wednesday, while South Africa will take on South Korea in Monterrey at the same time.
