Teboho Mokoena dispatched a controversial penalty to earn South Africa a point as they held Czechia to a 1-1 draw in Atlanta.
In a match which saw two head coaches over the age of 70 collide for the first time in World Cup history, it was Czechia who broke the deadlock with six minutes on the clock as Alexandr Sojka's threaded pass created an opportunity for Michal Sadilek and the midfielder produced a composed finish.
South Africa responded by dominating large spells of possession but the Bafana Bafana struggled to threaten Matej Kovar's goal, and that trend continued into the second half.
It seemed the Bafana Bafana's efforts were going to prove futile until referee Tori Penso pointed to the spot after Thapelo Maseko's shot thundered off the arm of Pavel Sulc from close range.
Despite protests from Czechia and Sulc's arm being tucked in, the penalty was awarded and Mokoena duly delivered as he sent Kovar the wrong way to restore parity.
Both sides went in search of a winner in the closing stages but neither team were able to fashion the all-important winning goal, and the result does little to aid either in their pursuit of reaching the knockout stages.
Czechia v South Africa Timeline
6' - Goal for Czechia. Scored by Michal Sadilek, assisted by Alexandr Sojka.
33' - Yellow card for Teboho Mokoena.
40' - Yellow card for Thalente Mbatha.
46' - Relebohile Mofokeng replaced Jayden Adams.
55' - Pavel Sulc replaced Vladimir Darida, Jaroslav Zeleny replaced Alexandr Sojka.
66' - Evidence Makgopa replaced Iqraam Rayners.
67' - Lukas Provod replaced Adam Hlozek, Tomas Soucek replaced Michal Sadilek.
75' - Yellow card for Ladislav Krejci.
78' - David Zima replaced Lukas Cerv.
82' - Goal for South Africa. Scored by Teboho Mokoena.
84' - Kamogelo Sebelebele replaced Thapelo Maseko.
Czechia v South Africa Match Stats
Czechia | 1-1 | South Africa |
38% | Possession | 62% |
1.02 | Expected Goals | 1.37 |
14 | Shots | 17 |
3 | Shots on Target | 4 |
3 | Big Chances | 1 |
12 | Fouls Committed | 10 |
5 | Corners | 5 |
339 | Total Passes | 563 |
80% | Pass Accuracy | 90% |
12 | Tackles | 21 |
33% | Tackles Won | 52% |
24 | Clearances | 23 |
1 | Yellow Cards | 2 |
0 | Red Cards | 0 |
