South Africa national football team Bafana Bafana's dream of reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time is still alive after a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in Atlanta on Thursday. Teboho Mokoena's penalty kept both teams in the hunt for the last 32, although they will almost certainly have to win their final Group A fixture to advance. The Czechs quickly set about making amends for their disappointing performance on the World Cup's opening day, with Michal Sadilek's early opener putting them on course for just their second World Cup win as an independent nation. But Mokoena's late spot-kick ensured that both sides move onto one point, two behind co-hosts Mexico and South Korea. South Africa next face South Korea, while the Czech Republic take on the daunting task of playing Mexico in the Estadio Azteca. Hugo Broos has overseen an upturn in Bafana Bafana's fortunes since taking charge five years ago, but their return to the global stage has exposed a lack of quality, particularly in forward areas. The Czechs were left to rue not making more of their chances to kill the game off early in the second half, with Vladimir Darida taking too long to get his shot off and Lukas Cerv's long-range effort being tipped over by Ronwen Williams. The majority of the crowd were backing South Africa and finally had something to cheer seven minutes from time, when Thapelo Maseko's shot hit the arm of Pavel Sulc and referee Tori Penso pointed to the spot. Mokoena confidently drilled home the spot-kick for his nation's first World Cup goal in 16 years. They came close to a second five minutes later, when Matej Kovar saved from Relebohile Mofokeng. But both sides had to settle for a point that could yet prove vital come the end of Wednesday's final Group A games. The draw leaves South Africa with a tough task ahead, but they will be buoyed by their performance against the Czechs. And with their next match against South Korea, they will be looking to build on this result and keep their World Cup dreams alive. So, the stage is set for a thrilling finale to Group A, with all teams still in with a chance of progressing to the last 32. But for now, South Africa national football team Bafana Bafana can take heart from their draw against the Czech Republic and look forward to their next match with optimism.