Teboho Mokoena became South Africa's hero with a penalty equalizer in the second half.
After losing their opening matches, both South Africa and the Czech Republic entered the clash aiming to earn points to maintain their chances of advancing. The European side started better and quickly made a difference.
In the 6th minute, Adam Hložek saved the ball near the byline before passing it back inside. Alexandr Sojka skillfully controlled the ball for Michal Sadílek to run onto and finish, scoring the opening goal against South Africa.
Missing two key players due to suspensions, South Africa struggled for much of the first half. The African team had more possession but lacked ideas in their attacking moves, while the Czech Republic maintained pressure with their energetic play and constant pressing.
At the start of the second half, the Czech Republic nearly doubled their lead when Vladimír Darida's shot was blocked, before Patrik Schick's header went straight to goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The turning point came near the end of the second half. After Pavel Šulc handled the ball in the penalty area, the referee awarded South Africa a penalty. From the penalty spot, Teboho Mokoena took a decisive shot into the bottom left corner, beating Matěj Kovář to equalize 1-1.
The remaining minutes saw both teams attempting to find a goal. Lukáš Provod had the most notable chance for the Czech Republic, but his shot narrowly missed the post.
The draw means both South Africa and the Czech Republic are still without their first win at the 2026 World Cup. However, a point keeps both teams' hopes alive of qualifying for the knockout round before the final matchday of Group A.