A stoppage time equaliser from Bongani Zungu ensured the friendly international between South Africa and Nigeria in Nelspruit on Sunday ended in a 1-1 draw.
Captain of the day Ahmed Musa had given the much depleted Super Eagles an 85th minute lead against the run of play with a trademark curling effort.
Nigeria went into a third meeting in a year with South Africa without goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who is struggling with a back problem.
The Super Eagles were also without Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi and in-form West Brom striker Brown Ideye among others for the match.
Still reeling from the shock 1-0 loss to Uganda in Uyo in another friendly match on Wednesday, Nigeria made a slow start in Nespruit as South Africa looked to maintain their recent dominance over Nigeria.
Nigeria had the first effort on goal but South Africa’s goalkeeper saved a free kick in the first minute.
Zungu had a shot tipped over by Nigeria’s Daniel Akpeyi minutes later, with Akpeyi saving a header from Tower Mulomowandau as Bafana Bafana piled the pressure early on.
The Super Eagles then suffered an early setback as on-loan Middlesbrough defender Kenneth Omeruo had to go off injured, replaced by Geoffrey Oboabona in the 12th minute.
Following a goalless first half, South Africa was presented a golden chance to take the lead just after the hour mark, as Serero Thulani was brought down in the penalty area.
However, Akpeyi saved Anoile Jali’s resultant spot kick and did well to deny striker Tokelo Rantie on the rebound.
Poor finishing saw South Africa fail to make their dominance count and were soon punished for their profligacy five minutes to the end when Musa curled a spectacular effort into the top corner.
But with virtually the last kick of the match, Bongani Zungu ensured Bafana Bafana would not end the match empty handed, scoring the host’s equaliser to end an entertaining encounter.