Sekhukhune United snatched a late dramatic stoppage 2-1 win over Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership encounter held at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane on Saturday evening.
The hosts struck first in the 30th minute through Oageng Phiri who scored his first-ever professional goal to give Babina Noko the early advantage.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa looked for an immediate response but was unable to penetrate through Babina Noko resolute defence seeing the match head into halftime in 1-0 score line.
Gallants showed positive signs in the second half coming close to restoring parity on the 50th minute after Melusi Buthelezi misjudged a cross that Msindisi Kunene was unable to convert with a overhead kick.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa maintained pressure in the second half as they looked to find an equaliser with Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo hitting the side netting on the 57th minute.
Nigerian dissent Chibuku Ohizu came close to doubling Babina Noko lead on the 63rd minute but his effort struck the upright after rounding up the goalkeeper.
Gallants pressure paid dividends on the 77th minute following a sequence of errors from the Sekhukhune defence.
Sibusiso Ncube whipped in a cross that took a massive deflection toward goal and was eventually turned in by Melusi Buthelezi to bring the match into stalemate.
Namibian international striker Bathuel Muzeu came on as an inspired substitute to win the game in stoppage time with a diving header to steal all three points for Babina Noko.
Sekhukhune move level on points with fifth-placed Kaizer Chiefs as they both accumulated 14-points so far this campaign.
Meanwhile, this loss leaves Gallants rooted in 16th on the table without a win from their first eight matches of the campaign.
Other Betway Premiership Results:
Lamontville Golden Arrows 0-1 Milford FC
Chippa United 0-1 Kruger United