Teboho Mokoena converted a penalty in the 83rd minute to secure South Africa's 1-1 draw with Czechia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Thursday. Michal Sadílek had put Czechia ahead with a goal in the sixth minute.
Mokoena was visibly emotional before the match, thinking of his late grandfather. After the final whistle, he said: "I know, wherever he is, he would be proud of me. I just felt his presence in that moment."
The penalty was awarded after Thapelo Maseko's long-range shot struck Czech defender Pavel Sulc's hand in the 83rd minute. Both teams came into the match needing a result after losses in their opening games.
Mokoena picked up his second yellow card and is suspended for South Africa's next match against South Korea on Wednesday. South Africa coach Hugo Broos said: "If we can make another performance like today I think we have a chance to go in the second round. Mokoena's suspension removes a key midfielder from South Africa's starting lineup, affecting their tactical options and midfield balance for the knockout stages."
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