South Africa keeps its World Cup hopes alive with a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic

ATLANTA (AP) — Teboho Mokoena started the game with tears in his eyes and finished it with a smile on his face after converting a second-half penalty in South Africa's 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic on Thursday at the World Cup.

Thapelo Maseko’s long range shot late in the match caught the hand of Czech opponent Pavel Sulc in the area.

Mokoena, who was shown on camera with tears rolling down his cheeks during the pre-game national anthem, stepped up to the penalty spot and sent his shot low past Czech Republic goalkeeper Matej Kovar in the 83rd minute.

The South Africa midfielder said he was overwhelmed before kick off, thinking about his late grandfather.

“I know, wherever he is, he would be proud of me," Mokoena said. "I just felt his presence in that moment. I thought if he was here, he would be proud of me because I know he believed in me when nobody believed in me.”

Michal Sadilek had given the Czechs the lead in the sixth minute at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Alexandr Sojka played in Sadilek and he slid a shot past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

Both teams lost their opening matches, and both knew another setback would seriously hinder their chances of reaching the round of 32.

South Africa faced some strong criticism following its 2-0 loss to World Cup co-host Mexico, which raised the prospect of the country extending its run of never having advanced to the knockout phase of a World Cup — even as host in 2010.

“If we go on like that and if we can make another performance like today I think we have a chance to go in the second round,” South Africa coach Hugo Broos said.

South Africa will next face South Korea on Wednesday in Group A, but will be without Mokoena, who is suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament.

The Czechs lost to South Korea 2-1 in their opening match and will likely need to beat Mexico in their final game on Wednesday to advance.

Associated Press writer R.J. Rico contributed to this report.

James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson

AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/fifa-world-cup

South Africa's Khuliso Mudau vies for the ball with Czechia's Jaroslav Zeleny, right, during the World Cup Group A soccer match between Czechia and South Africa in Atlanta, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Czechia's Michal Sadilek (18) scores the opening goal during the World Cup Group A soccer match between Czechia and South Africa in Atlanta, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Czechia's Michal Sadilek (18) is mobbed by teammates after scoring the opening goal for their team during the World Cup Group A soccer match between Czechia and South Africa in Atlanta, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser)

South Africa's Teboho Mokoena scores a penalty, his side's first goal during the World Cup Group A soccer match between Czechia and South Africa in Atlanta, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser)

South Africa's Teboho Mokoena celebrates after scoring a penalty, his side's first goal during the World Cup Group A soccer match between Czechia and South Africa in Atlanta, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser)

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — The administration of Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González is mired in a new political crisis, with allegations of public corruption, government interference and conflicts of interest.

González's chief of staff Francisco Domenech is the latest to be ensnared in a high-profile investigation, following the resignation last month of Puerto Rico’s economic development chief Sebastián Negrón, who accused the administration of interfering with the agency's work. More than 10 other officials — including the chief of staff, general counsel and finance chief — also resigned from the agency as it tries to lure new investors to an island struggling with chronic power outages and other issues.

Domenech, who maintains a high profile in his role, also serves as executive director of Puerto Rico’s Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority.

On Wednesday, Domenech submitted sworn statements against Negrón to Puerto Rico’s Department of Justice and its Office of Government Ethics, alleging corruption and conflicts of interest. On Thursday, he justified his actions in an interview with WIPR, a government TV station.

Domenech said he only took action this week because it took time to compile what he says is evidence against Negrón, whom the governor has described as “a star” as she lamented his resignation in late May.

The allegations against Domenech, which are being investigated by an independent state agency, have caught the attention of U.S. Congress, with federal lawmakers questioning the governor about them on Wednesday. She said the allegations are false.

Meanwhile, Puerto Rico Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz, a member of the governor’s pro-statehood party, called Wednesday for Domenech’s resignation. On Thursday, Rivera Schatz offered legislative immunity to Domenech and anyone else “if they confess their crimes and produce results that eradicate corruption.”

Domenech’s interview marked his first public comments since Negrón accused him of irregularities related to contract processing and undue government interference. Negrón also referred to the Justice Department and its Office of Government Ethics, the findings of an internal investigation led by the economic development agency against two government officials, who are accused of interfering in the process for an auction of a contract involving federal funds.

Domenech’s submitted his sworn statements after alleged private text messages between him and Negrón were made public earlier this week, roiling the U.S. territory. Some of the alleged messages reflect pressure to find positions within the economic development agency for hard-core loyalists of González who worked on her campaign. Domenech also alleged that Negrón knew he was being investigated.

In a statement issued Thursday, Negrón called Domenech’s allegations against him false.

“The most troubling aspect of what happened today is not the attack against me personally, but the message it sends to every public servant who witnesses irregularities and decides to report them,” Negrón said.

He also asserted that companies who have invested in Puerto Rico have been dragged into the scandal.

“Puerto Rico needs to strengthen the confidence of those who invest, produce, and generate opportunities, not turn them into collateral damage in personal or political disputes or vendettas,” Negrón said.

Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america

FILE - A Puerto Rican national flag flies in front of the Capitol building in San Juan, Puerto Rico, July 29, 2015. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo, File)