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Pietermaritzburg - Maritzburg United put in a in a gutsy performance, fighting back from a goal behind to draw 1-1 with a rampant Kaizer Chiefs side at the Harry Gwala stadium on Wednesday evening.
The visitors took the lead in the first half when Zimbabwean striker Knowledge Musona netted with a close range attempt, and Rudolf Bester equalised for the home side in the second half.
The anticipated clash produced thrilling football for the capacity crowd of 14 000 fans that were in attendance.
Chiefs, playing their usual brand of attacking football, held the upper-hand for much of the first half.
Apart from Musona's goal in the 28th minute, when he was able to steer Jimmy Tau's strike on goal, beyond United goalkeeper Shu-Aib Walters, Chiefs had two other goal-bound efforts cleared off the goalline.
First Siphiwe Tshabalala hit a thunderous drive from the edge of the penalty area, but the keeper got his hands to it before defender David Booysens, who was positioned on the goalline, averted the danger in the 30th minute.
And 10 minutes later, Walters parried Mandla Masango's firm effort into the path of Mthokozisi Yende who in turn sent a header on target. John Aruwah, however, was on hand to prevent Chiefs from forging further ahead.
After being under pressure for most of the half, United could have drawn level just before the interval, but creative midfielder Kurt Lentjies hit a powerful drive from 25 metres out that hit the Chiefs crossbar.
The visitors failed to display the same zest on attack in the second half and thus allowed United to grow in confidence as the match progressed.
Chiefs keeper Itumeleng Khune was at full stretch to keep out Mor Diouf's stinging long range free kick in the 70th minute, but three minutes later he was a beaten man when Bester diverted a weighted punt from Lentjies beyond his reach.
Khune was on his toes yet again in the 84th minute, this time required to make saves in quick succession from Musa Nyatama who broke clear from his markers and Diyo Sibisi who was following up.
