South Africa fought back to secure a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in their Group A World Cup clash on Thursday, earning their first point of the tournament. Teboho Mokoena converted a penalty seven minutes from time after Pavel Sulc's handball gave the South Africans a lifeline.

The Czechs took an early lead in the sixth minute when Michal Sadilek slotted home after a clever pass from Alexandr Sojka, following Adam Hlozek's delivery from the right wing. The goal put the Czechs in control, but they failed to capitalize on further chances.

South Africa, making their first World Cup appearance since 2002, showed resilience in the second half. The equalizer came when Thapelo Maseko's shot struck the arm of Sulc, prompting referee Tori Penso to award a penalty. Mokoena confidently drilled the spot-kick home, marking South Africa's first World Cup goal in 16 years.

Both teams now have one point after losing their opening matches, trailing South Korea and co-hosts Mexico. South Africa will face South Korea next, while the Czech Republic take on Mexico in a daunting fixture.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos praised his team's mentality: "I'm very proud of my team. This is Bafana Bafana – we love good football, we are aggressive, we create chances. If we play with the same mentality against South Korea, it will be possible to win."

Czech coach Miroslav Koubek expressed satisfaction with his side's performance: "I rate that performance positively today. I can't reproach the lads for anything; on the contrary, I can praise them. They gave it absolutely everything."

Source: www.aljazeera.com