South Africa’s hopes of reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stages remain alive after a late equaliser against Czechia, but midfielder Teboho Mokoena has come under scrutiny despite rescuing a point for Bafana Bafana.
The 29-year-old converted a penalty in the 83rd minute to secure a 1-1 draw after South Africa had fallen behind early in their Group A encounter.
However, former South Africa international Benson Mhlongo believes the midfielder did not perform to the standards expected of one of the team’s key players.
The result left South Africa and Czechia level on one point each in the group, with Bafana Bafana still searching for their first victory of the tournament following an opening defeat to Mexico.
Attention has now turned to South Africa’s final group match against South Korea, a fixture that could determine whether the African side progresses to the next stage.
While Mokoena’s penalty proved decisive in preventing a second consecutive defeat, Mhlongo said the midfielder’s overall contribution fell short of what he has previously produced for the national team.
Speaking to Footy-Africa, the former Orlando Pirates defender said:
“Mokoena’s game is still the same: discreet. But I think he’s starting to get a bit of a big head. For me, he was only playing at 50%. He wasn’t giving 100%.
“The Mokoena I know from last season, from the qualifiers, gave 100%. When the team can’t score, you have to step up, create more shooting opportunities and make an effort to get them.”
The criticism comes despite statistics that suggest Mokoena played a significant role in South Africa’s attacking efforts.
The midfielder completed the full 90 minutes, registered five chances created and recorded 119 touches during the match.
South Africa’s encounter with Czechia got off to a difficult start when Michal Sadilek gave the European side the lead after only six minutes.
Czechia had entered the match knowing the importance of making a strong start, and they responded quickly. Adam Hlozek delivered a cross from the right flank before Alexandr Sojka’s clever first-time touch released Sadilek, who finished past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The early goal placed South Africa under pressure and left Hugo Broos‘ side chasing the game for much of the contest.
Seeking greater attacking impetus, Broos introduced Relebohile Mofokeng at the start of the second half.
The 21-year-old provided flashes of creativity, but South Africa struggled to break down a Czech defence marshalled by Ladislav Krejci.
As time began to run out, Czechia appeared on course for victory. However, the match turned in the closing stages when Pavel Sulc was penalised for handball inside the area.
Mokoena stepped forward and calmly converted from the penalty spot, sending goalkeeper Matej Kovar the wrong way to earn South Africa a valuable point.
The draw ensured Bafana Bafana remained in contention in Group A, although they sit fourth in the standings after two matches.
For South Africa, the result was a mixture of relief and frustration.
Mokoena’s late intervention preserved their World Cup hopes, but questions raised by former internationals such as Mhlongo underline the expectations placed on the midfielder as one of the team’s senior figures.
With South Korea next on the schedule, South Africa will be hoping Mokoena can once again influence proceedings — and perhaps deliver the level of performance that critics believe is still to come in the tournament.
