Hoffenheim’s new coach Markus Babbel has been unable to mark his home debut with a win after Mainz came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw in the Bundesliga.
The home side went ahead in the ninth minute on Friday when the unfortunate Nikolce Noveski deflected Roberto Firmino’s cross into his own net.
Noveski also scored an own-goal when Mainz hosted Hoffenheim earlier this season.
Mohamed Zidan scored in the third consecutive game following his winter transfer from Borussia Dortmund when the Hoffenheim defence left him completely free to volley in Radoslav Zabavnik’s cross in the 29th.
Both sides found it hard to control the ball or dictate play in a scrappy second half.
It was Hoffenheim’s sixth consecutive draw at home.