BLOW BY BLOW | Bafana stage comeback for a brave draw against Czechia

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FULL TIME - CZECHIA 1 BAFANA BAFANA 1

In the end, Bafana fought, they showed they could play. South Korea will be tough. Perhaps this gives Bafana confidence.

They need three points on June 25 at 3am SA time. They can do it. They can build on this performance and do better. They mostly outplayed Czechia. SA are still in the World Cup!!

Goodnight, enjoy a bit of a party tonight South Africa! Our team did OK! They played!

90min+8 - That’s the final whistle!

90min+7 - Bafana ending really strong, another shot blocked.

90min+5 - Seven minutes added. Great passing move ends with Makgopa shot blocked.

89min - Mofokeng forces a save.

83min - GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL!!!!! GOOOALLLLL!!!! GOOOALLLL!!!! Czechia 1 Bafana 1

Teboho Mokoena steps up, slots it!!!!!!! South Africa celebrates!!!! The country comes alive. Bafana have life again at this World Cup!!!!!

Yesssssss!!!!! Yes Yes Yes!!!!

82min - Penalty to Bafana!!!!!

Maseko shot onto the arm of SUB: 15. Pavel Sulc.

81min - Into the last 10min. If Bafana can get a draw, they have a far better chance of progressing, just a little less pressure against Korea in the last game.

80min - Kind of weird how Czech seemed happy to defend 1-0, barely got forward in this half. More weird Bafana could not capitalise.

78min - More inventive free-kick from SA, Appollis can’t take a pass hit hard at him on the edge of the box.

74min - Bafana too many touches, too slow with crosses when in good positions. But at least they’re getting into good positions.

72min - The match is back.

71min - Country Road on the PA system at Atlanta Stadium - Bafana need a faster car for the road. Apologies for that effort from your blogger.

69min - Hydration break. Let’s hope the liquids give Bafana an energy boost.

67min - The hugely experienced 22. Tomas Soucek among two changes for Czech, on for Adam Hlozek.

66min - Evidence Makgopa on for Rayners.

65min - The South Africans need to find a way out of this niggling phase of the game.

60min - It’s a bit frustrating. SA need goals. Bafana are in it, when they move it, they cause problems. But they need more pace, more urgency in the attacks, and a final ball.

58min - Czech player 12. Lukas Cerv goes down off the ball, might have been an arm from Mofokeng. Game plays on.

54min - Ball moving to both ends of the field in tentative attacks from both teams.

52min - Mokoena excellent clearance facing own goal, in ahead of 8. Vladimir Darida at a dangerous cross.

47min - Williams palms an effort over.

46min - We are back for the second half.

HT - SUB: Relebohile Mofokeng on for Jayden Adams.

HALF TIME - CZECHIA 1 BAFANA BAFANA 0

It was actually a promising half from Bafana. But they are 1-0 down.

And that first half, if anything, seemed to confirm that if SA are going to get a win in this World Cup, this might have to be the game. And the match situation now means that will take some doing.

Czechia genuinely uncomfortable when Bafana move the ball.

SA a bit brittle at the back, but they settled quite well as the half progressed.

45+5 - That’s the half time whistle!

45+4 - Four minutes were added, nearly done. Another good attack from SA, Czech keeper 1. Matej Kovar spills, shot blocked.

43min - Maseko in the area, shot deflected for a corner.

42min - Schick fouled by Mbatha, dangerous FK position for Czech in the middle, bit far out for them.

... Struck well off target.

40min - Itu remains hopeful, so let’s see:

37min - Really promising attack from SA, ends with Rayners playing Mudau down the right with Czechia really stretched, but the RB’s first touch is too strong.

34min - Mokoena booked, challenge on 12. Lukas Cerv. He will miss the last group game against S Korea.

32min - Czech may be consolidating, but they’re not bossing like they did in the opening exchanges. SA might just have finally found a measure of composure at this 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Dare we hope?

28min - Bafana on the attack again from the restart. When SA move the ball, Czechia look uncomfortable.

23min - Hydration break.

SA very nervy in the first 10min, far better in the next 12. Let’s see, let’s see ...

22min - Bafana are getting some passes in, some moments of almost even stylish play, cross from Modiba cleared by Czech.

16min - Dangerous ball in for Bafana from the right, Rayners misconnects.

12min - Bafana get some foot on the ball - Appollis drive from range deflected wide.

More of that needed ...

10min - Bafana really shaky under Czech’s precision and pace. And now they have it all to do again!

Like in Mexico, Bafana just have to settle ...

6min - GOOOOOOOALLLLLL!!!! GOOOOOALLLL!!!! GOAALLLLL!!! Czechia 1 Bafana 0

Czech score! Class goal, even if Bafana at sixes and sevens. No 9. Adam Hlozek dangerous angled low ball from the right across the box, touch on the edge of the area and 18. Michal Sadilek in acres of space to finish!

5min - Corner, where Czech are dangerous, Williams punches. SA keeper will be crucial in set pieces.

1min - Speculative Czech cross in from deep on the left, no marking and 10. Patrik Schick heads a free header tamely wide.

Marking Bafana?!

6pm - 1min - That’s kickoff, and the stadium looks packed!

5.54pm - Tears from Teboho Mokoena in the anthems. That’s the passion we want!

Broos was spitting fire in his press conference. OK, that’s good! That’s the passion we want!

5.51pm - The teams take the field ...

5.47 - Some of the build-up in video:

5.45pm - Side by side ...

5.37pm - As kickoff nears, here is some of Mahlatse Mhahlale’s build-up to this game:

• ‘Shut up’, Bafana coach Broos tells critics as they prepare to meet Czechia
• South Africa to appeal three-match suspension handed to Zwane by Fifa
• The battle of Atlanta: five key players for Bafana
• Broos must get approach right as Bafana have it all to play for against Czechia
• Stars align for Maseko in Bafana return as he itches for global stage run against Czechs
• MAHLATSE MPHAHLELE | Coach Broos, change approach, unleash Mofokeng for Czechia
• Anyone doubting Bafana ‘better think again’, says Thapelo Maseko
• Czechia’s key players: what Bafana are up against in Atlanta on Thursday
• Ricardo Goss disappointed by ex-player analysts’ criticism after Bafana loss

5.23pm - This is Czechia’s line-up -

5.18pm - And ... the starting line-ups are in! Much more promising outlook from Hugo Broos. He seems to have got this one about perfect, your blogger thinks ...

As per Mahlatse Mphahlele with his breakdown of the XI from Atlanta Stadium:

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has made three changes to his starting XI to take on Czechia in their crucial 2026 Fifa World Cup Group A match at Atlanta Stadium on Thursday (noon in Georgia, 6pm SA time).

The coach deployed a defensive 3-5-2 formation and line-up that backfired in Bafana’s 2-0 opening defeat to co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City last Thursday.

Against the tough, physical, tall Czechs, Broos has gone for an attack-minded approach as he has refreshed the line-up with the introduction of speedy wingers Thapelo Maseko and Oswin Appollis to run at the Europeans’ defence.

He forsook wingers against Mexico, pushing fullbacks Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba up as wingbacks.

Among the changes, Broos sacrificed defender Nkosinathi Sibisi, with Appollis his direct replacement.

Thalente Mbatha comes in for suspended Sphephelo Sithole in defensive midfield.

Maseko replaces striker Lyle Foster, as Broos reverts to the 4-2-3-1 system that worked for Bafana in the qualifiers.

There is still no place for playmaker Relebohile Mofokeng in the starting line-up but Broos has gone with a meaty midfield to deal with the aggression of Czechia.

Teboho Mokoena and Mbatha are expected to sit back in the middle of the park with Jayden Adams allowed freedom to go forward and perform the job of link-up play with Maseko and Appollis the wingers and Iqraam Rayners the striker.

At the back, Broos kept Mbekezeli Mbokazi alongside Ime Okon, and they will be entrusted with dealing with the Czechs’ notorious aerial threat.

Bafana are desperate for a win to have a chance of progressing to the knockouts but it is not going to be easy against this aggressive Czechia.

Bafana starting XI: (4-2-3-1) Ronwen Williams (capt) - Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Aubrey Modiba - Thalente Mbatha, Teboho Mokoena - Thapelo Maseko, Jayden Adams, Oswin Appollis - Iqraam Rayners

4.39pm - THE GROUP SITUATION

• World Cup group: Group A
• How Czechia started: They lost 2-1 to South Korea in Monterrey, Mexico
• How Bafana started: They lost 2-0 to Mexico at Estadio Azteca
• Rankings of the teams in Group A: Mexico — 15; South Korea — 25; Czechia — 41; South Africa — 60
• Thursday’s other Group A game: Mexico vs South Korea, Estadio Guadalajara (7pm in Mexico, 3am on Friday SA time)
• Bafana’s last group game: June 24 against South Korea, Estadio Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico (7pm Mexico time, 3am on June 25 SA time)
• How teams progress to the last 32 and knockouts: Finish in the top two in the group or among the eight best third-placed finishers from the 12 groups.

4.37pm - BAFANA KEY PLAYERS AND TACTICS

• Who to watch out for in in Bafana’s ranks: As per Mahlatse Mphahlele, SA’s five key players. Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams — the Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper remains key for South Africa’s World Cup ambitions. There have been questions over recent form, but he pulled off some stunning saves against Mexico. Defender: Mbekezeli Mbokazi — the centreback is not the tallest in the team and he and his defence must guard against the aerial threat from Czechia. Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena — The central midfielder helped Sundowns win the 2025-26 Caf Champions League and that big-match temperament will be vital in their midfield battle against Souček. Oswin Appollis — the Orlando Pirates winger was left out of the starting line-up against Mexico but was lively when he came on in the closing stages. Bafana need someone like him to run at Czechia. Striker: Iqraam Rayners — Bafana coach Hugo Broos usually prefers Lyle Foster but the Burnley attacker has been under pressure from South African supporters. Maybe he should consider starting with Rayners.
• Bafana’s tactics: Hugo Broos controversially changed things around to a 3-5-2 against Mexico. He played three centrebacks (Mbokazi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Ime Okon); fullbacks Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba became wingbacks and Broos forsook outright wingers. The three-man midfield (Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Sphephelo Sithole) was meant to provide muscle but Sithole had a nightmare. Unusually, Broos had two strikers in Iqraam Rayners and Lyle Foster but they didn’t get the service. Calls have come for the coach to go back to the 4-2-3-1 that was effective in the qualifiers. Wingers such as Appollis and either Thapelo Maseko or Tshepang Moremi would come into the equation and Relebohile Mofokeng could start at playmaker.

4.35pm - CZECHIA PLAYERS AND TACTICS

• Who to watch in Czechia’s ranks: As per Mahlatse Mphahlele, TimesLIVE’s senior football reporter in Atlanta on Czechia’s key players. Defenders: Ladislav Krejčí (Wolverhampton Wanderers) — scored their opening goal in the defeat to South Korea, but his primary role is in the heart of the defence, where he duels in the air with his physicality. Vladimír Coufal (TSG Hoffenheim) — provided the throw-in assist for Krejčí‘s goal against South Korea. Known for his long throws, which are a weapon for his team. A reliable right-back who delivers quality crosses. Midfielders: Tomáš Souček (West Ham) — an integral member of the Czech midfield. Playing style includes aerial strength and tactical discipline. Scores crucial goals. Strickers: Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen) — tall, physically imposing; Czechia’s old-fashioned No 9 and the focal point of their attack. Adam Hložek (TSG Hoffenheim) - the 23-year-old is a versatile attacker known for his physical strength, creative ball-carrying and clinical finishing.
• Czechia’s tactics: (with the assistance of Google AI) Czechia’s tactics under 74-year-old manager Miroslav Koubek focus heavily on defensive rigidity, an intense physical presence and lethal set-piece execution. The team sets up in a 3-4-2-1 system (sometimes transitioning into a 3-4-3 or a low-block 5-4-1). They have conservative wingbacks: Vladimír Coufal and Jaroslav Zelený do push up, but mostly they tuck in tightly to prioritise defence. In midfield, defensive cover is provided by Souček, a tireless box-to-box destroyer and additional aerial target. In attack: Czechia are masters of set-piece situations. Creative responsibilities lie almost entirely on Pavel Šulc and Lukáš Provod, operating behind the main striker.

4.33pm - HEAD TO HEAD

• Head-to-head record: The two teams have only met once, in the 1997 Fifa Confederations Cup in Saudia Arabia, where Clive Barker’s South Africa drew 2-2 against the Czechs in a group game.

4.32pm - MATCH OFFICIALS

• Match officials: Head referee: Tori Penso (US); assistant referee 1: Brooke Mayo (US); assistant referee 2: Kathryn Nesbitt (US); fourth official: Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh (New Zealand)
• Interesting fact about the referee: Penso will become the second women to take charge of a men’s World Cup match. France’s Stéphanie Frappart, who blew a Germany-Costa Rica group stage match in Qatar in 2022 was the first.
• Major fact about the match officials: Mayo and Nesbitt are also female, meaning the trio will make history as the first all-women and first all-American team to take charge of a men’s World Cup match.
• Also interesting: The trio took charge of the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup final in Sydney, where Spain beat England 1-0.

4.30pm - TELEVISION

• On TV: Televised on SuperSport Grandstand (DStv 201), SuperSport PSL (202), SABC 1, SABC 3, SABC Sport and streamed on SABC+

4.27pm - VENUE AND KICKOFF

• Kickoff: 12pm in Atlanta, 6pm South Africa time
• Venue: Atlanta Stadium, also known as Mercedes-Benz Stadium, in Atlanta, Georgia
• Stadium capacity: 71,000
• Type of stadium: A retractable-roof multi-purpose stadium
• Has the roof been closed for 2026 World Cup matches?: Yes. The roof has been kept shut to protect the specially imported grass surface from Atlanta’s intense mid-summer heat and humidity. This also protects the players from those elements. Rain is forecast for the next two days in Atlanta, but with the roof closed this will not be a factor in the match and nor will the heat.
• The stadium is home to: American football NFL team the Atlanta Falcons and MLS soccer side Atlanta United FC

4.23pm - Some key things to know about the game to follow ...

3.51pm - Greetings readers, Bafana Bafana supporters, die-hard fans and those who are simply curious.

Here we are again ...

This is it folks - Game 2 of the 2026 Fifa World Cup for Bafana Bafana!

They face tough, physical Czechia at the 71,000-seat Atlanta Stadium, home of NFL’s Atlanta Falcons MLS’s and Atlanta United FC, with it’s retractable roof that has been closed for World Cup matches.

And as usual the stakes are supremely high, after a somewhat disappointing 2-0 defeat to Mexico at Estadio Azteca last Thursday.

This is your captain ... sorry, Live Updates Blogger, speaking, Arena Holdings and TimesLIVE Sports Editor Marc Strydom, and as per usual I am not in Atlanta Stadium but in our company offices in Parktown. The hugely experienced Mahlatse Mphahlele is in Mexico and the US covering the World Cup on the ground for Arena and more about some of his excellent coverage a little later ...

For now: to start, a brief note of foolish optimism as I make a quick case for why the Mexico defeat was perhaps not quite as bad as most South Africans have made out, and why SA might beat Czechia. Are we really going down this path of optimism that so often leads to painful disappointment again? I’m afraid so. As I said to a colleague in a corridor moments ago: why believe your team is going to lose? You have to believe they are going to win, surely?

So: Yes, there are 2-0 defeats you are not so unhappy about and there are others you don’t feel good about. Most aspects of the loss on Thursday were the latter. But there were positives.

Mexico’s profile under coach Javier Aguire is of a team that must win ugly, must suffer. They have exited in the last 16 too many times and as co-hosts, he wants them to go further in this World Cup, winning through ultra-pragmatic football. So Bafana’s inability to string together passes much, the scrappy ugly nature of the game, have to be taken in that context.

Plus, Bafana went a man down for half-an-hour, and two down for the final 10 minutes, and were not overwhelmed. They went two goals down with 10, then nine, men, and were not overwhelmed and kept battling. They might not have been convincing on the ball, but they did fight and battle in the duels throughout. They lost 2-0 against the hosts in front of 80,000 home supporters in an opening game on a stage like Hugo Broos’ World Cup babes in the wood can never have comprehended before Thursday.

Other teams, some of decent strength - Tunisia Paraguay, Iraq Algeria - have taken heavier defeats in less difficult circumstances from similar-strength opponents. And arguably, the opener was Bafana’s toughest game in Group A.

To balance the optimism, Czechia are big and physical and strong on set pieces, all qualities Bafana have traditionally battled against in opposition teams.

But perhaps, just perhaps, if the South Africans now settle in a far less scrutinised game, at a neutral venue; Broos gets his tactics right, which he didn’t against Mexico, South just might be able to get something from this game.

Here endeth the sermon. Get settled in your lounges, TV rooms, pubs, taverns and shebeens, pull up the popcorn, your beers, glasses of wine or similar beverages. Let’s get the build-up under way ...

Let’s go Bafana Bafana!

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