World Cup 2026: Teboho Mokoena's goal rescues a 1-1 draw for South Africa against Czechia

Teboho Mokoena's 83rd-minute penalty kick goal salvaged a point for South Africa during a 1-1 draw with Czechia on Thursday.

It didn't start well for South Africa as Michal Sadílek scored the fastest goal of the 2026 World Cup so far with a sixth-minute strike to put Czechia ahead early. South Africa pushed for an equalizer as Czechia took a more defensive-minded approach in the second half. Czechia conceded the possession battle for the remainder of the match, but South Africa could not take advantage until finally recording a shot on target.

In the 81st minute, Thapelo Maseko's shot caught Czechia midfielder Pavel Šulc in the hand. A VAR review confirmed the on-field call for handball and South Africa was awarded a penalty kick.

That's when Mokoena stepped up, took the ball and drilled home the equalizer, sending goalkeeper Matej Kovár the wrong way.

The point saved was an important one for South Africa after dropping its opening match to Mexico. Same goes for Czechia, which fell to South Korea last week.

The match also featured a historic all-American female officiating trio of Tori Penso, Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt. They became the first women to work a men's World Cup match as a crew.

Penso is also the first American woman to serve as a main match referee in a men's World Cup.

Czechia will next take on Mexico in Mexico City, while South Africa finishes group play against South Korea in Monterrey. Both matches will take place Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET.