Former Nigeria internationals Ifeanyi Udeze and Brown Ideye have applauded South Africa’s fighting spirit after Bafana Bafana secured a valuable 1-1 draw against Czechia to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive, Footynaija.com reports.
South Africa entered the encounter under pressure following a 2-0 defeat to tournament hosts Mexico in their opening Group A fixture, knowing that another loss would leave them on the brink of elimination.
However, their task became even more difficult when Michal Sadilek fired Czechia into an early lead in the sixth minute, capping off a slick move involving Adam Hlozek and Alexandr Sojka. Despite falling behind, Bafana Bafana refused to surrender and continued to search for a way back into the contest.
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Their persistence eventually paid off seven minutes from time when Teboho Mokoena calmly dispatched a penalty after Pavel Sulc was penalised for handling Thapelo Maseko’s goal-bound effort. The late equaliser secured a valuable point for South Africa and ensured their hopes of reaching the knockout stages remain firmly alive.
Udeze, Ideye commend Bafana Bafana
Speaking after the game, Udeze, who appeared on Sporty TV’s World Cup coverage commended the South Africans for grinding out a result despite being behind for most of the contest.
“I think South Africa did very well to have drawn this game against Czechia,” he said, per quotes on Complete Sport. “They were behind for most of the game and got a penalty to find their way back. It’s a good result for them.”
Meanwhile, Ideye was more critical in his assessment of the result. Although he praised Bafana Bafana for taking a point via that late equaliser, he also expressed disappointment at their inability to get all three points on the night.
“After the penalty, I expected South Africa to go all out for the three points because this game is an important game for them to win. Now they are playing against South Korea in their final game,” the former West Brom attacker said.
“Mind you, South Korea are a very disciplined team, and they’re tough to beat. So I was expecting South Africa to win this one. Anyway, big kudos to Bafana for playing out a 1-1 draw against Czechia.”
South Africa must now secure all three points when they face South Korea at the Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, Mexico next Thursday if they are to progress beyond the group stages.
