Eric Tinkler left frustrated after Sekhukhune United's draw with AmaZulu

Early-season leaders Sekhukhune United saw their unbeaten run halted as they were held to a 1-1 draw by AmaZulu in a tense encounter at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday night.

Despite dropping points, Babina Noko remain top of the Betway Premiership log, sitting level with a resurgent Kaizer Chiefs. They now turn their attention to Saturday’s home clash against Durban City (17:30 kickoff), hoping to return to winning ways.

The match appeared to be slipping away from the hosts after Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya gave Usuthu the lead in the 17th minute. But Sekhukhune's new signing Ronaldo Maarman made an instant impact off the bench, scoring with six minutes remaining to salvage a draw and extend their unbeaten start to the season.

Coach Eric Tinkler admitted his side had been sluggish early on but praised their resilience and fighting spirit, insisting they had done enough to claim victory.

“I thought the team showed great character again,” said Tinkler. “We didn’t start the game well, we gave away possession too easily. We also played 17 minutes with ten men — which was ridiculous, to be honest.

“But after going 1-0 down, I felt there was only one team in it. Yes, they had a chance here and there, but we responded well. I think we deserved more than just a point.”

AmaZulu were forced to survive a nervy finish after defender Riaan Hanamub was sent off in stoppage time for manhandling a ball boy, leaving the visitors with ten men for the final moments.

Both sides created chances throughout, but poor finishing let them down. Maarman, who replaced Keletso Makgalwa just before the hour mark, injected much-needed energy and nearly equalised earlier when he struck the crossbar before finally finding the net.

Tinkler was especially pleased with the impact of his substitutes, who he said shifted the momentum of the match.

“We deserved three points today. Two points were taken from us — and not by AmaZulu,” he said pointedly. “That handball was inside the box, it should have been a penalty, not a free kick.

“In the last 15 to 20 minutes of the first half, we had most of the chances. The momentum had definitely swung in our favour, we just lacked the final ball. But the players who came off the bench added real value.

“I thought Maarman was outstanding. He came on, worked hard, and got rewarded.”

While Sekhukhune lost their 100% record, the draw keeps their strong start intact. Tinkler will now be hoping his side can build on the positives and make a statement on Saturday.