The result came after Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos reshuffled his side, making two enforced changes and one tactical switch.
Suspended midfielder Sphephelo Sithole dropped out, while Nkosinathi Sibisi and Lyle Foster were left on the bench as Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis and Thapelo Maseko came into the starting XI.
The adjustments also saw South Africa adopt a more adventurous 4-3-3 formation.
There was an emotional moment before kick-off as Mokoena appeared to shed tears during the national anthem, but the midfielder would later emerge as the hero.
CZECHIA STRIKE EARLY
The warning signs arrived almost immediately when Patrik Schick headed wide inside the opening minute. Bafana then struggled to deal with a series of early set pieces before the breakthrough arrived in the fifth minute.
A quick throw-in caught the defence off guard, allowing a low cross into the area where Michal Sadílek applied the finishing touch to hand Czechia the lead.
South Africa gradually settled into the contest and began dominating possession. Aubrey Modiba nearly created an equaliser with a dangerous delivery towards Iqraam Rayners, while Appollis forced the team’s first effort on goal in the 11th minute with a deflected strike.
Despite controlling large periods of the first half, Bafana struggled to carve open the Czech defence. Their best chance before the break came when Modiba’s cross was spilled by goalkeeper Matěj Kovář, only for Maseko’s follow-up effort to be blocked.
At the other end, Mbekezeleli Mbokazi produced a vital block late in the half before Ronwen Williams denied another Czech opportunity to keep the deficit at one goal.
TEBOHO MOKOENA DELIVERS FOR BAFANA BAFANA WHEN IT MATTERS
The second half followed a similar pattern, with South Africa enjoying sustained possession but finding it difficult to create clear-cut openings.
Their persistence was finally rewarded in the 82nd minute when Maseko’s shot struck the hand of Ladislav Krejčí inside the penalty area. After the referee pointed to the spot, Mokoena stepped up and calmly sent Kovář the wrong way to level the scores at 1-1.
Czechia piled on late pressure in search of a winner, but the South African defence stood firm. Bafana nearly snatched all three points themselves through a slick passing move that ended with Evidence Makgopa firing straight at the goalkeeper.
The draw leaves South Africa with one point from two matches after their opening defeat to Mexico, meaning qualification remains possible but will likely depend on victory in their final Group A fixture.
Bafana Bafana will conclude the group stage against South Korea on 25 June at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, Mexico, with kick-off scheduled for 03:00 SAST in a match that could determine their World Cup future.
