Czechia v South Africa – FIFA World Cup result as Teboho Mokoena's late penalty earns point for Bafana Bafana in Group A clash

Teboho Mokoena’s 83rd-minute penalty earned South Africa a 1-1 draw against Czechia in a pivotal clash in the race for third place in Group A.

Michal Sadilek’s sixth-minute strike - the quickest goal of the World Cup so far - gave Czechia the lead but poor finishing cost the eastern European nation in Atlanta.

Adam Hlozek could have scored within the first minute had he got his free header at the far post on target, while Bayer Leverkusen forward Patrik Schick squandered a golden opportunity, heading straight at goalkeeper Ronwen Williams from a corner.

South Africa were far from convincing in attack and they frustrated many with their stubbornness, taking every set-piece short and allowing Czechia to easily soak up the pressure.

Bafana Bafana boss Hugo Broos was seemingly instructing his team to pass the ball into the net, with only a few long shots disrupting that tactic.

But a late boost in tempo helped South Africa back into the game as Thapelo Maseko cut inside and his shot clattered into the hand of Czechia’s Pavel Sulc.

Albeit a harsh decision as he had his arms close to his body, Mokoena stepped up and converted with confidence, earning Bafana Bafana the draw.

It was a landmark moment for referee Tori Penso as she became only the second woman in history to officiate a men’s World Cup match.

Following this result, both Czechia and South Africa know they must win their final Group A matches to stand any realistic chance of progressing in this competition.

The other matchday two fixture in this group - Mexico v South Korea - kicks off at 02:00 UK time on Friday.

In a game short of quality, it simply had to be a penalty that decided the outcome, didn't it?

Thalepo Maseko's strike definitely hit Pavel Sulc's arm, but it was tucked in.

On the controversial call, former Tottenham and Brentford manager Thomas Frank told BBC: "I don't want it to be a penalty, but I know it's tricky as the hand is away from the body."

South Africa legend Benni McCarthy added: "To be honest, these are the types of penalties I hate to see being given."

Ashley Williams concluded: "It's not in an unnatural position. He's not extending his arm. You want players to be coming out to block shots, so it's just one of those frustrating things."

Bafana Bafana's goalscorer, Teboho Mokoena, has to be in the conversation for player of the match.

South Africa may have been underwhelming going forward for much of the game, but Mokoena was absolutely everywhere in the middle of the park.

The Mamelodi Sundowns man created the joint-most chances in the match with five and he had more touches (120) than any other player on the field.

Mokoena also made two tackles, two interceptions, one block and eight recoveries.

It is a result that does not really help either side a great deal, but there is still one more game to play in the group stage for Czechia and South Africa – against Mexico and South Korea respectively.

Can they still make it out of Group A? Or is the end of the road?

Evidence Makgopa brushes away a Czechia challenge and fires a decent effort straight at Czechia's shot-stopper.

That's surely South Africa's last opportunity, saved by Kovar.

Lukas Provod shifts the ball onto his left foot but his 20-yard shot fizzes wide of the right post.

There's definitely enough time for a winner!

The fourth official indicates seven minutes of stoppage time.

It's an awkward one for Kovar as Mofokeng's shot bounces up right in front of him, but the Czechia goalkeeper gratefully clutches the ball to his chest.

After being so laboured for much of this game, that goal has really thrust the wind back in South Africa's sails!

Can Bafana Bafana find a winner, can Czechia get back in front, or is this ending all square?

One that will certainly split opinion...

Was that a harsh handball or a deserved spot-kick?

Teboho Mokoena makes no mistake as he scores from the spot!

That was an emphatic penalty, fired into the bottom left.

It's absolute bedlam at the Atlanta Stadium.

Bafana Bafana have lift off!

Maseko drives inside and takes on a hopeful long shot and it cannons back off the arm of Pavel Sulc.

The referee makes no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

But can they convert?

Lukas Cerv leaves the field after suffering from cramp.

Ex-Torino defender David Zima skips on to replace him.

South Africa really need to up the ante with 15 minutes remaining.

Bafana Bafana are staring a likely elimination from the World Cup in the face, yet some of the players hardly look bothered.

To make matters worse, Hugo Broos' side are STILL taking set-pieces short. Unbelievable.

Czechia's captain sees yellow for a robust challenge, giving away a foul about 30 yards from goal.

At long last, South Africa have their first effort on target!

It's substitute Makgopa who registers it, with a tame header into the gloves of Czechia 'keeper Kovar.

While we pause for the second and final hydration break, it’s an opportune moment to remind you of the latest transfer news across Europe.

One of the biggest rumours in the past 24 hours? A stunning swap deal involving Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez and Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres…

Not that the players need it - or even want it - but we have another hydration break as we reach the halfway point of this second period.

Czechia make two substitutions of their own as Tomas Soucek and Lukas Provod take the spots of goalscorer Michal Sadilek and the misser of two big chances, Adam Hlozek.