Teboho Mokoena started the match in tears and finished it with a smile. The South African midfielder converted a penalty in the second half of the 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in the World Cup.
A long-range shot by Thapelo Maseko hit Pavel Sulc’s hand inside the area. The referee signaled the maximum penalty at 83 minutes. Mokoena, who was shown crying during the national anthem, beat Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar.
A goal dedicated to his grandfather
Mokoena admitted that he felt overwhelmed remembering his late grandfather. “I know wherever I am, he would be proud of me,” he said. “I just felt his presence in that moment. I thought if he was here, he would be proud of me because I know he believed in me when no one else did.”
Michal Sadilek had put the Czechs ahead in the 6th minute. Alexandr Sojka set up Sadilek, who fired close to goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Both teams came into the game after losing in their debut. South Africa lost 2-0 to co-hosts Mexico, a result that revived doubts about their ability to advance to the knockout stage. The country has never made it past the group stage at a World Cup, not even when it hosted in 2010.
“If we continue like this and have another performance like today’s, I think we have a chance to get into the second round,” said coach Hugo Broos.
South Africa will face South Korea on Wednesday in Group A, but will be without Mokoena, suspended due to accumulation of yellow cards. The Czechs, who lost 2-1 to South Korea in their first match, need to beat Mexico to maintain their aspirations.
