Substitute Josef Lekata scored eight minutes from the end as AmaZulu twice came from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw against Pa Dembo Touray’s relegation-threatened Santos in their Premiership encounter at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. Wayne Arendse put the visitors in front by scoring after 18 minutes, before Thamsanqa Sangweni equalised from the penalty spot shortly after.

An exquisite header from Eleazar Rodgers put the Cape side back in front as they led at half time, before the late twist helped Roger Palmgren’s team gain a point and retain their place in the top eight. Martin Nooij’s side remained second-bottom on the log, six points clear of bottom side Jomo Cosmos.

Santos looked determined enough early on as they came strongly out of the blocks, with Nasief Morris wasting a third minute free-kick from 25-yards out, the ball flying way over. Santos took the lead when Tyren Arendse’s free-kick from 20-yards out on the right was fumbled by Tapuwa Kapini, with Jonathan Armogam’s goal-bound cross attempt helped over the line by Wayne Arendse.

Five minutes later and Usuthu were level when Dumisani Zwane was tripped in the box after skipping past his man Thabiso Ntloana with referee Victor Gomes immediately pointing to the spot and booking the defender. Sangweni made no mistake with the spot kick, sending Pa Dembo Touray the wrong way.

That seemed to spur the hosts on with Tangeni Shipahu forcing the Santos goalkeeper to parry away after bursting through on the right side of the box, while Wayne Arendse almost put through his own goal after a superb cross from the Namibian ricocheted off the defender.