Thanks to Thapelo Maseko’s inspired performance, Relebohile Mofokeng’s second-half introduction, and maestro Teboho Mokoena’s composure, Bafana Bafana managed to rescue a point with a 1-1 draw against Czechia in Georgia on Thursday night.
Mokoena, who will miss Bafana’s final Group A match due to an accumulation of two yellow cards, kept his composure to convert an 83rd-minute penalty. The spot-kick was awarded after Maseko’s goal-bound effort was handled in the box while the Czechs were piling men back to defend their goal line.
Mofokeng was introduced at half-time in place of Jayden Adams, bringing the magic wand Bafana desperately needed as he took over the creative duties.
The draw keeps Bafana’s hopes alive, giving them a chance to fight for the spoils against South Korea and secure a place among the four best third-placed teams to advance to the knockout stages.
To achieve this, Bafana must pick up exactly where they left off in the second half, while strictly avoiding the following:
Rawness
Despite his stardom, it was harrowing to see a player of Khuliso Mudau calibre looking like an unpolished diamond during some moments in the first half. In the 38th minute, Maseko made a brilliant run to the edge of the box. Iqraam Rayners received the ball and laid a sweet pass to the right for the oncoming Mudau, who was let down by a poor first touch that instantly killed off the attack.
Careless Giveaways
During the first half, Bafana displayed no strengths; they already lacked height, but they they showed no pace, no ability to string passes together, and no confidence building from the back, and the result was offering almost no threat in front of the opposition goal.
Ill-discipline
One of the biggest takeaways from Bafana Bafana’s opening match is a lack of international-level discipline. Well aware of the blow Fifa dealt them with Themba Zwane’s three-match suspension, a senior player like Mokoena should have known better than to get booked early in the game against Czechia.
As things stand, Mokoena will miss Bafana’s next match after picking up a second booking in consecutive games. What is even more disappointing is that the star midfielder committed a similar offence in the exact same spot as he did against Mexico a week ago.
‘Starboy’ Mofokeng replaced Adams for the second half and, barely 10 minutes in, was lucky to escape a booking after a foul to an opponent’s face. Coach Hugo Broos was visibly anxious, standing up to get a clear view of the incident, but to his relief, referee Tori Penso did not reach for her pockets.
Mofokeng will be key as an attacking midfielder against Korea, likely with Adams and Thalente Mbatha anchoring the central and defensive midfield behind him.
