South Africa's Teboho Mokoena celebrates after scoring a penalty, his side's first goal during the World Cup Group A soccer match between Czechia and South Africa in Atlanta, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser)
South Africa's Teboho Mokoena scores a penalty, his side's first goal during the World Cup Group A soccer match between Czechia and South Africa in Atlanta, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser)
South Africa's Khuliso Mudau vies for the ball with Czechia's Jaroslav Zeleny, right, during the World Cup Group A soccer match between Czechia and South Africa in Atlanta, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
ATLANTA (AP) — Teboho Mokoena started the game with tears in his eyes and finished it with a smile on his face after converting a second-half penalty in South Africa's 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic on Thursday at the World Cup.
Thapelo Maseko’s long range shot late in the match caught the hand of Pavel Sulc in the area.
Mokoena, who was caught on camera with tears rolling down his cheeks during the pre-game national anthem, stepped up to the penalty spot and sent his shot low past Czech Republic goalkeeper Matej Kovar in the 83rd minute.
Michal Sadilek had given the Czechs the lead in the sixth minute at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Alexandr Sojka played in Sadilek and he slid a shot past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Both teams lost their opening matches, and both knew another setback would seriously hinder their chances of reaching the round of 32.
South Africa faced some strong criticism following its , which raised the prospect of the country extending its run of never having advanced to the knockout phase of a World Cup — even as host in 2010.
The Czechs in their opening game.
Both teams still have a chance to advance to the round of 32 from Group A. South Africa will next face South Korea on Wednesday, while the Czech Republic will take on Mexico at the same time.
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