“We Should Have Won” — Modiba

Bafana Bafana defender Aubrey Modiba believes South Africa delivered a much-improved performance in their 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but feels the team should have secured all three points.

South Africa bounced back from their 2-0 defeat to Mexico in their opening World Cup match by adopting a different approach against the Czech Republic. The change in tactics resulted in a more competitive display, earning Bafana their first point of the tournament.

Despite the improved performance, South Africa remain at the bottom of Group A. Mexico currently lead the group and have already secured qualification for the knockout stages following their 1-0 victory over South Korea.

The clash against the Czech Republic was South Africa’s second match of the group-stage campaign.

Speaking to Sporty TV after the game, Modiba praised the team’s display but admitted they were disappointed not to come away with a victory.

“I think we were much better in terms of our performance and the way we fought,” said Modiba.

“We showed that we wanted it, even though we ended up drawing the game. I feel like we should have won because we had chances that we needed to take.

“I don’t think they created many opportunities, but we will take the positives from this game and move forward to another tough encounter in the next match.”

Bafana’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages remain alive. They must beat South Korea in their final Group A fixture and hope Mexico avoid defeat against the Czech Republic to strengthen their chances of qualification.

With everything still to play for, South Africa will head into their final group-stage match knowing that victory could be enough to secure a place in the knockout rounds.