A spectacular last-minute goal from NMMU defender Niven Kops saw them secure a dramatic 2-2 draw with TUT in Tshwane.
The draw sees both teams maintain their unbeaten Varsity Football records after an enthralling top of the table encounter which went right down to the wire.
The Eastern Cape side made a bright start to the game, forcing TUT onto the back foot, and it was not long before Cloudius Sagandira was brought down in the box.
Leroy van Rensburg stepped up to tuck the penalty away and give his side an early 1-0 lead as they made an ideal start to the match.
TUT responded by launching a dangerous attack of their own and a powerful volley from Selby Madibana was beaten away by NMMU goalkeeper Lyndsay Jennings as the crowd started to find their voice.
Despite the pressure from their hosts the well-drilled NMMU defence held up well, although there were some anxious moments at the back.
TUT were dominating possession and took the game to NMMU, with Kieran Koert shown a yellow card for a clumsy challenge on Doctor Radebe.
The resulting free kick was stopped by Jennings, but Botshelo Mfulwane followed up well to pounce on the rebound and slot the equaliser.
That lifted the spirits of the home side and they almost grabbed the lead moments later when replacement Sonwabiso Busakwe got on the end of a probing cross but Jennings did well to hang on.
The teams went into half-time deadlocked at 1-1, and with 45 minutes left to play it was still anybody’s game after both sides enjoyed periods of dominance in the first half.
TUT continued to press at the start of the second half as they went in search of the lead, and NMMU defender Niven Kops was shown a yellow card for a harsh tackle as the pressure built.
The attacking opportunities were few and far between for the Madibaz who were reduced to relying on counter-attacks as TUT dominated territorially.
The game opened up in the last 20 minutes as both teams looked for a late winner, and it was TUT who reaped the reward when replacement Sonwabiso Busakwe stabbed the ball past Jennings to give his side the lead.
Madibana had a great chance to make the game safe when he found some space at the top of the box, but his shot flew wide of target.
NMMU threw everything at their hosts as they looked desperately for a late equaliser, and it paid off in fine style as Kops produced a spectacular overhead kick to secure a point for his team.
FNB man of the match: Selby Madibana
The scorers:
For TUT: Botshelo Mfulwane, Sonwabiso Busakwe
For NMMU: Leroy van Rensburg, Niven Kops
TUT: 23 King Ndlovu, 3 Katlego Mokwena, 8 Kgotso Mohlomi, 5 Elliot Seema, 2 Themba Nkosi, 12 Khomotso Selemela, 4 Khuliso Rashamuse, 11 Sizwe Khumalo, 16 Selby Madibana, 15 Doctor Radebe, 9 Botshelo Mfulwane.
Reserves: 18 Solly Matlou, 10 Andrew Mashigo, 13 Oneth Mhangwana, 6 Sokanyile Masonwabe, 20 Sanele Sikhakhane, 7 Sonwabiso Busakwe, 19 Mbongeni Mpanza.
NMMU: 16 Lyndsay Jennings, 20 Lundi Balfour, 5 Cornelius Matuoane, 22 Niven Kops, 19 Lukhanyo Sompondo, 6 Kurt Duff, 11 Kieran Koert, 8 Lukhanyo Rasmeni, 10 Cloudius Sagandira, 7 Leroy van Rensburg, 13 Vuoyolwethu Marele.
Reserves: 1 Enver Vogel, 21 Zukisani Mtendeni, 3 Andile Mtyingizane, 12 Onela Beqezi, 17 Onneetse Leboifo, 25 Bradley Peterson, 23 Chuma Fobo.
