While Bafana Bafana kept their hopes alive with a spirited draw against Czechia, and it was also a definatel confidence booster.

South Africa showed tremendous character in Atlanta as they fought back to earn a crucial 1-1 draw against Czechia. The Czechs struck early through Michal Sadílek and appeared to be in control for large periods of the match, but Hugo Broos’ side refused to back down.

Oswin Appollis - SAFA

Their persistence was rewarded in the 83rd minute when Teboho Mokoena calmly converted a penalty to earn South Africa their first point of the tournament and keep their knockout-stage aspirations firmly alive.

The result leaves Bafana with everything to play for ahead of their final group-stage encounter against South Korea. However, Mokoena's yellow card, his second in as many matches, means the influential midfielder will miss the decisive clash through suspension.

Earlier on Friday morning in Guadalajara, Mexico edged South Korea 1-0 to make it two wins from two matches and secure their place in the knockout rounds. The victory lifted the co-hosts to six points at the top of Group A and ensured their progression with a game to spare. Despite the defeat, South Korea remain firmly in contention heading into the final round of fixtures.

With one round of matches remaining, Mexico lead Group A on six points, while South Korea, South Africa and Czechia remain locked in a fierce battle for the remaining qualification spots. South Africa will face South Korea, while Mexico take on Czechia in the final group matches on 24 June.

Following South Africa's draw, Broos highlighted how costly even the slightest lapse in concentration can be at football's biggest stage.

“I think we played a very good game today, except for that one moment at the beginning of the first half when we lost concentration and focus,” said Broos.

“We knew their number five, Vladimír Coufal, had a dangerous long throw-in, but we allowed him to surprise us.

“At this level, you pay dearly for mistakes like that. But apart from that, I thought Bafana Bafana played a very good game.”

Elsewhere on Matchday Two, Group B produced two emphatic results. Switzerland delivered one of the most impressive performances of the tournament so far with a commanding 4-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, significantly boosting their chances of reaching the knockout stages.

Canada then delighted their home supporters in Vancouver with a ruthless 6-0 demolition of Qatar. The comprehensive victory moved the Canadians into a strong position to advance to the next round.

Attention now shifts to Groups C and D on Friday.

Brazil will take on Haiti in Philadelphia at 2:30am on Saturday as they search for their first win of the tournament after being held to a draw by Morocco in their opening match. Scotland and Morocco are also set for a crucial Group C showdown in Boston at midnight. Scotland enter the contest on the back of a narrow victory over Haiti, while Morocco will be eager to build on their impressive draw against Brazil.

In Group D, co-hosts the United States face a potentially tricky assignment against Australia in Seattle at 21:00. The Americans opened their campaign in style with a convincing victory over Paraguay and know another win would place them on the brink of qualification. Australia, meanwhile, will look to build on their opening triumph over Türkiye.

At 5am on Saturday, Türkiye and Paraguay will meet in a match that could prove decisive in the race for a top-two finish and a place in the knockout rounds.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport