Former Nigeria internationals Ifeanyi Udeze and Brown Ideye have praised South Africa's resilience after Bafana Bafana fought back from a goal down to claim a 1-1 draw against Czechia in their FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage clash on Thursday.

Czechia strike early, Mokoena rescues a point

Michal Sadílek handed Czechia the lead with the fastest goal of the 2026 World Cup so far — a strike in the 6th minute that left South Africa chasing the game for the majority of the contest.

The equaliser arrived in the 83rd minute when Teboho Mokoena converted from the penalty spot after Czechia substitute Pavel Sulc was penalised for handball while attempting to block a shot from Thapelo Maseko.

Udeze: 'A good result for them'

Speaking as a guest analyst on Sporty TV's World Cup coverage, Udeze expressed satisfaction with the way South Africa refused to surrender.