Mario Booysen's last minute goal helped Maritzburg United to a 1-1 draw against Absa Premiership newcomers University of Pretoria in their first league match played at Tuks Stadium on Sunday.

The rookies were leading until the 90th minute and thought they had won the game until Booysen broke their hearts when he headed in defender Peter Petersen's free kick.

AmaTuks's goal was scored by striker David Radebe in the 50th minute.

United dominated the ball possession in the first half, attacking the home side with the new signing and former Bafana Bafana midfielder Delron Buckley causing problems for the Tuks youngsters.

The visitors created few scoring chances, but Enst Middendorp's team were let down by their final touches.

The Team of Choice players also lacked creativity to penetrate the rookies's defence, which was marshalled by their captain Tebogo Munyai.

New signing and former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mthokozisi Yende failed to make an impact in the midfield and that frustrated Buckley who was working hard on his own.

Tuks struggled for the whole of the first half, absorbing pressure from the Team of Choice. The home side never had any dangerous shot on United But coach Steve Barker's introduction of veteran Radebe for midfielder Dispsy Selolwane in the 46th minute inspired AmaTuks as they started to play entertaining attacking football.

It took Radebe only five minutes to score for the AmaTuks with a fine goal at the edge of the penalty box from counter attack.

Radebe's goal was a huge boost for AmaTuks who showed that they will give many top flight sides a tough time this season.

Barker played with a new squad compared to the one that won promotion to the PSL this season.

He played experienced players like Warren Bishop, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Radebe and Selwolane. Mphahlele, who is on a season loan from their neighbours Mamelodi Sundowns also added much needed experience at the back.

United did play some good football going forward, but they were frustrated by the tight AmaTuks defence.

But AmaTuks suffred a blow with only three minute remaining when their midfielder Sepeke Manamela was given a red card in his debut match in the top flight.

And that seemed to have helped United as Booysen scored the equaliser and stole a point for the visitors.