Kaizer Chiefs' hopes of creating a South African Premiership record for consecutive wins has been dashed by a 2-2 midweek draw at lowly Maritzburg United.
The Soweto club had won nine league games in a row as they chased the record of 11 set by Mamelodi Sundowns en route to the 2007 title.
Leaders Chiefs, the most successful and popular football club in the republic, equalised twice against opponents who mocked their lowly position with a spirited show.
But ex-South Africa striker Katlego Mphela - a mid-season signing from Sundowns - could have secured maximum points for Chiefs had he been on target with a late close-range shot.
"I cannot complain about the result after a game that produced some fantastic football on a pitch not conducive to good football," said England-born Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter.
"We displayed character by not panicking when falling behind twice and continuing to play good football," added the former Finland manager.
Ryan de Jongh got United off to a flying start with a 60-second goal at a packed Harry Gwala Stadium in KwaZulu-Natal capital Pietermaritzburg.
Zimbabwean Kingston Nkhatha levelled on six minutes only for Bhongolwethu Jayiya to nudge Maritzburg ahead again by converting a first-half penalty.
Centre-back Tefu Mashamaite brought Chiefs level 10 minutes from time by nodding a free-kick past goalkeeper Shu-Aib Walters and then Mphela fired wide when well placed.
Collecting one point lifted defending champions Chiefs to 40, nine ahead of pre-season title favourites Sundowns, who have two matches in hand.
Thuso Phala and Bennett Chenene scored as SuperSport United defeated Mpumalanga Black Aces 2-0 and rose to third - 11 points behind Chiefs with the same number of games played.
Bloemfontein Celtic forced a 0-0 draw at Platinum Stars while the Free State Stars-Orlando Pirates fixture in central town Phuthaditjhaba was postponed owing to inadequate floodlighting.
