Sekhukhune United failed to fully capitalise on Mamelodi Sundowns' slip-up after being held to a 1-1 draw by Chippa United at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday, September 24.
After a goalless opening 45 minutes, Boy Madingwane drew first blood for the Chilli Boys on 53 minutes, but Bradley Grobler hit back from the penalty spot 11 minutes from time to rescue a point for Eric Tinkler's side which took them two points clear of the Brazilians at the Betway Premiership summit.
Babina Noko were targeting their fourth win on the spin, having edged Golden Arrows 1-0 last weekend to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign.
Meanwhile, the Chilli Boys hoped to kickstart their season after a 2-1 reverse to Polokwane City three days ago made it five defeats in eight games and left them one point off the foot of the table.
The league leaders bossed proceedings in the first half and created the majority of the chances, but failed to work Stanley Nwabali with any of their four attempts at goal.
Sekhukhune had no less than 11 touches inside the opposition box, while Chippa made barely any inroads in the final third themselves, managing just one shot off target.
Tinkler turned to his bench first, bringing on Ngoanamello Rammala for Ronaldo Maarman at the start of the second half, although it was the visitors who made the better start after the break.
Justice Figuareido chalked up his first assist of the season as he picked out Madingwane, who opened his account for the Chilli Boys in his 22nd appearance.
The hosts looked to respond and Shaun Mogaila drew a comfortable save out of Nwabali on the hour mark after being set up by Vusimuzi Mncube.
They were handed a golden opportunity to restore parity when Chippa conceded a penalty with just over 10 minutes left on the clock and Grobler made no mistake from 12 yards out to continue his hot streak in front of goal.
The Limpopo outfit pushed for a winner in the closing stages and they should have come away with all three points after being awarded another spot-kick in stoppage time, but Grobler was unable to convert this time around.
Sekhukhune United (0) 1 (Grobler 79' PEN)
Chippa United (0) 1 (Madingwane 53')
SEKHUKHUNE UNITED: T. Nsabata, B. Ndlovu, S. Mkhize, D. Cardoso, V. Letlapa (S. Langa 66'), T. Monare (M. Timm 66'), V. Mncube, S. Mogaila (S. Sihlali 73'), R. Maarman (N. Rammala 46'), K. Makgalwa (T. Mokoane 66'), B. Grobler.
CHIPPA UNITED: S. Nwabali, B. Madingwane (X. Sithole 76'), S. Ndlovu, I. Fasika, M. Modise, K. Peters (G. Philander 76'), S. Seabi, S. Kammies, G. Mosele, A. Konqobe (B. Eva Nga 60'), J. Figuareido (T. Molaoa 89').
