South Africa played to a 1-1 draw against Czechia on Thursday, securing a point in their Group A second game at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, in the U.S.

Michal Sadilek gave Czechia the lead in the sixth minute when he converted a clever slipped pass from Alexandr Sojka, following Adam Hlozek’s delivery from the right wing.

In the second half, South Africa mounted pressure on their opponent until Pavel Sulc handled the ball, conceding a penalty that Teboho Mokoena slotted home in the 83rd minute.

The result, which was an improvement on their 2-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico, gives the South Africans hope of qualifying for the second round if they defeat South Korea in their final group tie on Wednesday, while Czechia will play Mexico at the same time.

Speaking to journalists after the match, South Africa coach, Hugo Broos, said, “I think that we played a very good game today except for one moment in the beginning of the first half, where we weren’t concentrating, not focused, and you know, at World Cup level, if you make a mistake, you pay the price.

“So, I think we deserved more today because sometimes you need a little bit of luck. But if we go on like that and if we can make another performance like today, I think we have a chance to go to the second round.”

On their upcoming must-win match against South Korea on Wednesday, Broose said, “They have a few key players in the team. Again, it will be a tough game, but in another way. Today it was a tough game because of the physicality of the Czechs, but against South Korea, it will be more about discipline in the group and also their powerful running.”