Czech Republic vs South Africa: Winners & losers - Mokoena's penalty rescues late draw

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·18 Juni 2026

Czech Republic vs South Africa: Winners & losers - Mokoena's penalty rescues late draw

Czech Republic led from the sixth minute through Michal Sadílek but squandered multiple clear chances to extend their advantage. Teboho Mokoena converted an 83rd-minute penalty after Pavel Sulc's handball to rescue a 1–1 draw for South Africa. GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Czech Republic v South Africa.

Winners

Teboho Mokoena (South Africa)

Teboho Mokoena stepped up when South Africa needed him most, converting the 83rd-minute penalty that rescued a crucial point. Already carrying a yellow card from the 33rd minute, the midfielder showed composure under pressure, sending his right-footed strike into the left corner as goalkeeper Matej Kovar dived the wrong way.

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Throughout the match, Mokoena served as South Africa's technical hub, directing offensive play from midfield and conducting build-up sequences. His willingness to take responsibility from the spot demonstrated leadership qualities that were evident across both halves, even as his earlier booking meant he operated on the disciplinary edge for much of the second half.

The equalizer proved decisive in keeping South Africa's World Cup hopes alive after their opening defeat to Mexico. Without Mokoena's nerve from twelve yards, Hugo Broos' side would have suffered back-to-back losses. His central role in possession and match-defining penalty made him the standout performer in a match where South Africa trailed for 77 minutes.

Michal Sadílek (Czech Republic)

Michal Sadílek gave Czech Republic the perfect start with the opening goal in just the sixth minute. The midfielder finished with his left foot from inside the area after receiving Alexandr Sojka's pass, putting his side ahead before South Africa had settled into the match.

Sadílek controlled central midfield during his time on the pitch, dictating tempo and serving as the pivot around which Czech Republic's build-up play operated. His presence helped the team maintain composure and territorial advantage through the first half, with the goal arriving from a well-worked move that caught South Africa's defense disorganized.

Substituted at 67 minutes with his side still leading, Sadílek's departure coincided with a shift in momentum toward South Africa. His goal proved crucial in securing a point despite the late equalizer, and his commanding midfield display gave Czech Republic the platform they needed to control large periods of the contest.

Loser

Patrik Schick (Czech Republic)

Patrik Schick endured a frustrating afternoon in front of goal, missing multiple clear chances that could have secured Czech Republic all three points. The striker failed to direct his unmarked header toward goal inside the opening minute despite being completely free in the area, setting the tone for a wasteful display.

At 48 minutes, Schick rose unchallenged from a corner but headed straight into the hands of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Then at 90+4 minutes, with the score still 1–1, he missed his shot completely when the ball fell to him in a promising position, allowing Lukas Provod's subsequent effort instead—which also went wide.

Schick's profligacy proved costly as Czech Republic were left sharing the points rather than claiming a vital victory. Despite his role as his country's main attacking threat, his finishing was poor throughout. Had any of his three clear opportunities found the net, South Africa's late penalty would have been merely a consolation.