by TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – SOUTH Africa has secured a vital point against Czechia to remain in contention to progress to the Last 32 of the World Cup.
Midfielder Teboho Mokoena lashed home from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute to ensure a share of the spoils in the encounter played in front of 67 442 fans at Atlanta Stadium on Thursday.
Until that moment, Bafana Bafana were in serious danger of elimination following their 2-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico last Thursday.
This time, coach Hugo Broos, well aware of the need to score goals to save their campaign, abandoned his defensive formation in favour of a 4-3-3 system, which he had largely adopted during the qualifiers.
However, as was the case against Mexico, they conceded early. Six minutes into the match, the Czechs opened the scoring as Michal Sadílek profited from a defensive lapse by the South Africans.
He was allowed to turn inside the box and fire past Ronwen Williams.
While Bafana had some half-chances to draw level, the Czechs appeared more likely to extend their lead as the first half progressed.
They started the second half strongly, but the centre-back pairing of Ime Okon and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, as well as Williams, stood resolute.
Profligacy in front of goal would return to haunt Czechia as they conceded a spot-kick following a handball offence by Pavel Šulc.
Mokoena showed nerves of steel to send Matěj Kovář the wrong way and send the South African technical bench and supporters into a frenzy.
South Africa remain bottom of Group A with a single point, while the Czechs are third with two points.
Mexico and South Korea will on Friday contest a top-of-the-table clash at Estadio Guadalajara.
– CAJ News