Maritzburg United substitute Khumbulani Banda scored with his first touch nine minutes from the end to hand Absa Premiership leaders Kaizer Chiefs only their second defeat of the season and open up the title race.
Banda came off the bench and straight into the Chiefs penalty area to head home the only goal of the game from a corner for Maritzburg's first win in nine league games.
It was as much as the home side deserved, although Chiefs might have snatched a late draw as Siboniso Gaxa hit the crossbar with the last effort three minutes into stoppage time.
Chiefs' defeat means their double digit lead is now down to eight points as Mamelodi Sundowns won at home to Polokwane City.
Amakhosi's usually reliable defence was static as Banda rose to head home a corner to send Maritzburg into raptures.
A full crowd of almost 15000 watched as the two sides traded blows, although Chiefs did tire towards the end and it was likely fatigue which saw them switch off mentally at a decisive point in the match to allow Banda a free header.
But Maritzburg might have had more, having had many half chances.
The best fell early after 17 minutes to Thamsanqa Mkhize, who hit his effort woefully wide after a mistake from Willard Katsande allowed Mkhize in behind the defence at the end of a probing ball from Philani Zulu.
It was an uncharacteristic error at the back from a Chiefs defence that has only let in 10 goals this season in the league competition.
Later in the first half there was another unsettling moment for coach Stuart Baxter when Itumeleng Khune completely missed a cross in an uncharacteristic blunder from the country's number one goalkeeper, who is expected to be restored to the national squad next week.
Mkhize, who was also the busiest of the Maritzburg players, had another half chance on the 25 minute mark from the edge of the area but his effort was blocked.
Maritzburg's top scorer Mohamed Anas could have done better with a breakaway chance in the 36th minute but did not settle on the ball before blasting his effort way over the bar.
Just before the break Chiefs might have drawn first blood as Maritzburg looked nervy defending a corner but the ball did not fall for the visitors to take advantage.
After half-time Chiefs had an effort from Siphiwe Tshabalala blocked and Bernard Parker also went wide.
Banda sinks Chiefs
Maritzburg United substitute Khumbulani Banda scored with his first touch nine minutes from the end to hand Absa Premiership leaders Kaizer Chiefs only their second defeat of the season and open up the title race.
Banda came off the bench and straight into the Chiefs penalty area to head home the only goal of the game from a corner for Maritzburg's first win in nine league games.
It was as much as the home side deserved, although Chiefs might have snatched a late draw as Siboniso Gaxa hit the crossbar with the last effort three minutes into stoppage time.
Chiefs' defeat means their double digit lead is now down to eight points as Mamelodi Sundowns won at home to Polokwane City.
Amakhosi's usually reliable defence was static as Banda rose to head home a corner to send Maritzburg into raptures.
A full crowd of almost 15000 watched as the two sides traded blows, although Chiefs did tire towards the end and it was likely fatigue which saw them switch off mentally at a decisive point in the match to allow Banda a free header.
But Maritzburg might have had more, having had many half chances.
The best fell early after 17 minutes to Thamsanqa Mkhize, who hit his effort woefully wide after a mistake from Willard Katsande allowed Mkhize in behind the defence at the end of a probing ball from Philani Zulu.
It was an uncharacteristic error at the back from a Chiefs defence that has only let in 10 goals this season in the league competition.
Later in the first half there was another unsettling moment for coach Stuart Baxter when Itumeleng Khune completely missed a cross in an uncharacteristic blunder from the country's number one goalkeeper, who is expected to be restored to the national squad next week.
Mkhize, who was also the busiest of the Maritzburg players, had another half chance on the 25 minute mark from the edge of the area but his effort was blocked.
Maritzburg's top scorer Mohamed Anas could have done better with a breakaway chance in the 36th minute but did not settle on the ball before blasting his effort way over the bar.
Just before the break Chiefs might have drawn first blood as Maritzburg looked nervy defending a corner but the ball did not fall for the visitors to take advantage.
After half-time Chiefs had an effort from Siphiwe Tshabalala blocked and Bernard Parker also went wide.
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