FIFA World Cup: Five takeaways from Bafana Bafana's draw against Czechia

Bafana Bafana scored their first goal in 16 years in a World Cup tournament to earn themselves a draw against the more fancied European opposition Czechia.

Hugo Broos was content with his side's performance, and we take a deeper dive into what led to the improved performance and also what they still need to work on following their opening matchday woes against Mexico.

Hugo Broos tactical switch

It was clear from the starting line-up that the Belgian head coach had opted for a more attacking approach to the match, which delivered a more inspiring performance all round.

The changes Broos made during the game were also crucial and brave as he opted to keep on both Thalente Mbatha and Teboho Mokoena in the second half, despite both being on yellow cards.

Jayden Adams substitution seemed like a gamble, but given the result, the coach made the right choice as he maintained defensive discipline while going for the equalizer.

The introduction of Evidence Makgopa for Iqraam Rayners also helped to give South Africa the edge aerially leading up to the equalizer. 

Slow starts

Bafana Bafana have now fallen behind twice within the first ten minutes of both of their World Cup matches this year, showing signs of a team that is too tentative or nervous in the opening stanzas of the match.

The team will need to improve and switch on mentally from the get-go in their final clash if they want to defeat South Korea.

Relebohile Mofokeng impact

The Orlando Pirates sensation was introduced at the start of the second half as Bafana looked for a way back into the match after going into the break trailing 1-0.

Mofokeng rose to the occasion as the Southern African side dominated the second half and probed the Czech defence looking for an opening until they fouled Thapelo Maseko for the equalizing penalty.

The 21-year-old has raised his hand for a starting berth in the next match which Bafana Bafana have to win in order to progress to the knockout stage.

Improved overall mentality

South Africa showed a greater desire to get a positive result from this fixture after falling behind early on when many would have expected a hammering thereafter from the Czech.

There was more confidence on the ball, with Bafana dominating possession in the match and forcing the European side to defend and try to preserve their lead instead of scoring another goal to kill off the match.

Hugo Broos will be hoping the team carries their second half spirit into the next match.

Big players stepped up

Bafana Bafana's star players goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Man of the Match midfielder Teboho Mokoena all stepped up a gear in this match to ensure they keep themselves in the tournament.

Williams managed to keep his defence well organised for the set-piece threats after the opening goal from a throw in, Mbokazi was resolute, contributing with crucial blocks and tackles and threatening with his passing range while Mokoena pulled the strings in midfield and delivered a well taken equalizer from the spot.

However, Mokoena will miss the next match through suspension, which means the likes of Sphephelo Sithole and Jayden Adams will need to step up to face South Korea in the last match.