Maritzburg United secured a stunning 2-1 win over PSL giants Mamelodi Sundowns at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday thanks to a goal from Amadou Soukouna in injury time.
The shock defeat for the DStv Premiership table-toppers leaves the door ever so slightly ajar for second-placed Kaizer Chiefs to try and make a run for the title, although Sundowns still find themselves 16 points clear having played four more matches.
Few would have predicted a defeat for the runaway league leaders against struggling Maritzburg, who had lost three of their last four, particularly when Sundowns grabbed the lead in the first half.
It was no less than the Brazilians deserved after bossing the territory and possession stats in the first half.
Lesedi Kapinga created the first real scoring chance for the visitors early on, before Lyle Lakay had a chance to shoot for the target only to send his effort over the crossbar.
A goal always looked on the cards though it did not arrive until the 37th minute when Namibian striker Peter Shalulile rose high to meet a cross from Haashim Domingo and head it into the back of the net.
But the lead had barely lasted a few minutes when Maritzburg equalised, Alfred Ndengane responding with a header of his own after Keegan Ritchie had delivered a dagger of a corner kick into the danger zone.
Sundowns came very close to retaking the lead in the second half via Kapinga, but his effort was saved via a desperate goal-line clearance from Nazeer Allie, with the same man on hand again to deny Shalulile later in the half with another vital block.
The visitors were given a golden opportunity to snatch the win in the 84th minute when Neo Maema was brought down in the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot, but Themba
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