A late Teboho Mokoena penalty gave South Africa their first point at the World Cup and leave Group A wide open.
South Africa were soundly beaten by Mexico in the tournament’s opener and were again staring at defeat after Michal Sadilek struck the earliest goal of the tournament so far.
But Czechia were passive in the second half and were made to pay when Mokoena buried his spot-kick to leave both sides on one point from two games.
Czechia striker Patrik Schick missed a great chance inside the first minute when he appeared to lose track of the ball in the stadium lights and totally mistimed a free header.
But his side were soon ahead. Sadilek was played in on goal after a throw and fired past Ronwen Williams after a smart touch from Alexandr Sojka.
South Africa improved slightly and looked a threat at times with Mokoena firing over from range, while Matej Kovar spilled a cross and Thapelo Maseko couldn’t force it in.
South Africa have never won a World Cup game having conceded the opening goal but were the better side in the second half.
They were handed a lifeline when Maseko’s shot hit the arm of substitute Pavel Sulc and referee Mary Penso pointed to the spot.
Mokoena made no mistake to leave both sides in with a chance of progression.
South Africa play South Korea in their final game while Czechia head to the Azteca to face Mexico.
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