Czechia 1-1 South Africa: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Teboho Mokoena started the game with tears in his eyes and finished it with a smile on his face after converting a second-half penalty in South Africa‘s 1-1 draw with Czechia on Thursday at the World Cup.
Mokoena, who was shown on camera with tears rolling down his cheeks during the pre-game national anthem, stepped up to the penalty spot and sent his shot low past Czechia goalkeeper Matej Kovár in the 83rd minute.
South Africa faced some strong criticism following their 2-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico, which raised the prospect of the country extending its run of never having advanced to the knockout phase of a World Cup — even as hosts in 2010.