South Africa got their first points on the board in their second World Cup clash as the game ended all even against Czechia in Atlanta.
Shaky start leads to a Czechia opener
It only took 6 minutes for Czechia to take the lead through Michal Sadilek after they capitalised on Khuliso Mudau’s error.
The rest of the first half was fairly uneventful as both sides failed to score before half time.
New intensity from Bafana Bafana
Hugo Broos’s introduction of Relebohile Mofokeng at the break completely changed the game as he slotted into the number 10 role. This made the South African midfield and attack flow much more freely, which ultimately led to more pressure being put on the Czech defence.
Eventually South Africa’s chance came as a hand ball was called in the opposing box, leading to a penalty. Teboho Mokoena stepped up to the spot and slotted it home to equalise late in the game.
South Africa player ratings
Ronwen Williams – 6
The South African captain had an overall decent game between the sticks. He made some important saves but his distribution was below average.
Aubrey Modiba – 6
Was okay in possession and defensively looked fairly sharp. He put in a few long shots but none of them hit the target.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi – 8
Another monstrous performance from South Africa’s most dominant defender. The 20-year-old shut down the Czechia attack on various occasions and his tackling and reading of the game was superb. Also was key in beating the opposing press.
Ime Okon – 7
A major improvement from his last game, Okon kept composed throughout the 90 minutes and did not let Czechia get the best of him.
Khuliso Mudau – 6
After his mistake leading to the Czechia goal, Mudau was crucial in moving the ball forward, and did not get caught out of position again.
Jaylen Adams – 5
Had no real effect on either side of the pitch and got taken off at half time for Mofokeng.
Teboho Mokoena – 8
A special display from the Mamelodi Sundowns man as he ran the midfield. He made crucial tackles and was crucial in possession for South Africa. Unfortunately he picked up his second consecutive yellow card which gives him a 1 match ban. He will be hugely missed in the next game against South Korea.
Thalenthe Mbatha – 6
Was brought into the lineup to replace the suspended Yaya Sithole, and did his job but nothing special.
Oswin Appollis – 5
There was a lot of talk about Appollis heading into the match but he failed to deliver. He was kept very quiet throughout the game and did not cause any problems to the opposing defenders.
Iqraam Rayners – 5
Struggled with service but got pocketed by the Czechia centre backs. South Africa have a real problem on their hands as both Rayners and Lyle Foster have offered very little leading the line.
Thaphelo Maseko – 7
Looked lively especially towards the end of the game. He won South Africa’s penalty and put pressure on the Czechia defence a few times.
Substitutes
Relebohile Mofokeng – 7
After being brought on at half time to introduce some attacking spark, Mofokeng helped South Africa take control of the game with his ball carrying and positioning in pockets of space.
Evidence Makgopa – 5
Came on to replace Rayners and did not have a real impact on the game.
Kamogelo Sebelebele – N/A
Was brought on too late to earn a rating.