Maritzburg United were close to beating Free State Stars at the Woodburn Stadium on Saturday night, but conceded a late equaliser.
United controlled the first half and created chances with some enterprising build-up play.
The home team had two chances in just the second minute when Obada was through in a one-on-one with Kennedy Mweene and could not thread the ball past the keeper, and then Fadlu Davids turned neatly and forced a good save from the Zambian.
Defender Mor Diouf put his free header well over the bar and Felix Obada blasted over the bar before Davids' well-placed free-kick was turned for a corner by Mweene as United kept up the pressure.
Stars' best chance of the half came when pacy striker Manti Moholo made a weaving run down the centre and shot wide.
The home team opened the scoring in the 29th minute when midfielder Bheka Phakathi beat Tshegofatso Mashego on the left and his square-ball was buried by Bryce Aka.
Stars had some good chances in the second period, the first of these when Kingston Nkatha's free-kick was parried by United goalkeeper Tashrique Goldman.
Another good save by the keeper kept out Proffessor Ramoswaria's shot.
Davids missed a great chance to wrap up the game when he put his free header over the bar from Petersen's long thow.
Then Goldman saved another strong shot from Manti Moholo.
Stars got their equaliser in the 84th minute when, after Nkhatha was brought down by Diouf in the area, Duncan Lechesa slotted the resultant penalty.
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