Thabiso Nkoana denied Chippa United a stunning victory, netting a late equaliser for high-flying Ajax Cape Town in Port Elizabeth on Friday evening.

Replacement striker Mxolisi Ntshingila scored with eight minutes left in the second half to put the Chilli Boys ahead, but Nkoana spoiled the party for the Premiership strugglers.

Ajax remained unbeaten after five matches in the league campaign.

After a slow start, the Chilli Boys took the initiative in the opening period, surging forward as they pushed the Urban Warriors on the back foot.

Thamsanqa Sangweni, spearheading the attack, had a chance midway through the first stanza but his attempt was easily handled by Finnish goalkeeper Anssi Jaakkola.

Four minutes later Sangweni hit the bar, and 10 minutes before the interval he fired wide.

Refusing to let up after the restart, Chippa skipper Andile Mbenyane came close but his shot was deflected clear by a diving Jaakkola.

Ajax managed to turn the tables shortly afterwards, creating three opportunities in the space of five minutes.

Keagan Dolly was wayward, Travis Graham was denied by Chippa shot stopper Fatau Dauda, and Tashreeq Morris also misfired.

On the counter attack, Ntshingila broke the deadlock in the closing stages, just a few minutes after replacing Mbenyane.

Nkoana, however, hit the back of the net with the match heading into injury time, to save a point for the Urban Warriors.