Aberdeen were made to pay for squandering several second half chances as Caley Thistle fought back to earn a point at Pittodrie.
Niall McGinn’s goal early in the second half gave the Dons the breakthrough and Aberdeen went on to create several chances to extend their lead before Iain Vigurs curled home an equaliser to earn Richie Foran’s side a share of the spoils.
Fit-again Jonny Hayes returned to the Aberdeen starting line-up as he made his first appearance of the league campaign which had been delayed due to a hamstring strain while deadline day loan signing James Maddison was named on the bench by Derek McInnes.
Caley Thistle manager Richie Foran handed new signing Brad McKay his debut, the former St Johnstone man starting at right back for his side.
Inverness came into this game bottom of the league while the Dons were looking to bounce back from their 4-1 loss at Celtic before the international break.
The effects of the Parkhead mauling still seemed to linger, however, as the Dons struggled to create any chances of note against the visitors and it was Inverness who were unfortunate not to be ahead at the break after Liam Polworth had struck the crossbar with a volley from Billy King’s cross.
Inverness would come to rue that chance as the Dons opened the scoring in the second half. Inverness wanted a foul given for a Wes Burns challenge on Polworth but referee Crawford Allan let play continue and Niall McGInn took full advantage, curling the ball low past Owain Fon Williams to put Aberdeen ahead.
The visitors surrounded the official to protest the decision to let play continue but the goal stood.
Burns should have made it 2-0 within seconds after racing into the box but he curled a shot wide of goal before Adam Rooney saw a chance turned round the post by the Caley Jags goalkeeper.
Substitute James Maddison saw his effort saved too as Aberdeen pushed for a second and their failure to extend their lead was eventually punished by the visitors when Iain Vigurs beat Joe Lewis with a superb curling strike from 18 yards.