Sundowns nearly found the opening goal on 16 minutes minute as Nascimento's header from a cross crashed against the woodwork with Maritzburg scrambling to clear the follow-up.
Captain Hlompho Kekana put Masandawana in front on 25 minutes after connecting with Gaston Sirino's cross for a first-time finish past Richard Ofori following a slight deflection off Rushine de Reuck.
The Team of Choice clawed themselves back on level six minutes later through De Reuck, who side-footed into an empty net from close-range after the Brazilians failed to deal with an in-swinging free-kick.
Masandawana came close to going back in front five minutes to halftime when Jose Ali Meza spotted Sirino in a promising area, but the latter fired wide following a first-time strike.
A penalty went the visitors way two minutes following the break after a handball in the six-yard area and Nascimento made no mistake to tuck away to give Sundowns the lead again.
Maritzburg looked for another quick response on 53 minutes when Judas Moseamedi turned to get a shot away inside the area, but Denis Onyango had no qualms collecting.
The Team of Choice levelled again seven minutes later as Thabiso Kutumela fed off Tebogo Tlolane's ball outside the area before curling into the bottom corner.
Sundowns finished the game with ten players on 71 minutes after Nascimento saw red following a second bookable offence on Kutumela.
With a player down and the game closing out, Masandawana put on another defender in Mosa Lebusa with Sirino removed minutes later.
The Brazilians still searched for the winner late on, but weren't fortunate as it finished 2-2 in Atterdigeville, leaving Chiefs with the chance to move eight points clear on Sunday afternoon.
Sundowns: Onyango, Ngcongca, Lakay, Nascimento, Madisha, Jali, Mkhulise, Kekana, Sirino, Mkhuma, Meza
Subs: Mweene, Langerman, Lebusa, Coetzee, Mabunda, Zwane, Makgalwa, Vilakazi, Maboe