A late penalty from Teboho Mokoena has secured South Africa a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in Atlanta, which keeps alive both sides' hopes of qualification from group A.
After Patrik Schick headed an early chance wide at the far post, the Czechs – showing five changes from the 2-1 defeat to South Korea, including midfielder Tomas Soucek dropped to the bench – took the lead in the sixth minute on Thursday (Friday AEST).
Adam Hlozek raced on to a throw-in down the right and cut the ball back to the edge of box where Alexandr Sojka fed Michal Sadilek to clip his finish past South Africa keeper Ronwen Williams for the quickest goal of the tournament so far.
South Africa, who had Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane sent off in their opening 2-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, looked for a response as Oswin Appollis' 25-yard effort was deflected behind.
