As the only team among the top five playing this weekend, Elfsborg had the opportunity not only to enhance their title aspirations but also to achieve consecutive victories for the first time since May.
However, their erratic form seemed to lead nowhere in the first half, as Hacken created numerous opportunities, with Severin Nioule and John Dembe failing to convert some of the better chances.
The hosts' control did not wane early in the second half, with Isak Brusberg and Dembe forcing outstanding saves from the young Simon Eriksson.
After absorbing all the pressure, Elfsborg took the lead with 15 minutes remaining - Arber Zeneli's cross found Per Frick, and his header back across goal appeared to be heading in, but Ari Sigurpalsson ensured it went in with an outstretched leg.
With three minutes left, the visitors dealt Hacken a devastating blow when Zeneli attempted to pass a ball through to Frode Aronsson. The pass was redirected back to Zeneli, prompting him to curl the ball into the top corner and clinch the victory.
In added time, the Getingarna finally broke through when Dembe headed home Amor Layouni's cross, but it was too late for a comeback, as they are now winless in three and sit in 10th place.
Djurgarden saw their two-match winning streak come to an end as they were held at home, 1-1 by Halmstad.
The Jarnkaminerna received a fortunate break midway through the first half when goalkeeper Tim Erlandsson pushed the ball above his head but could not stop it from going into his own net, yet Halmstad quickly regrouped and equalized five minutes later through Villiam Granath's header.
With eight minutes remaining, Halmstad again looked to assist their hosts when Rami Kaib was sent off for a second yellow card, but Djurgarden could not capitalize for a winner. They sit in seventh, while HBK remains 12th and winless in four.
Also on Sunday, Sirius and Oster played to a 1-1 draw, which saw Degerfors drop below both and into the bottom two ahead of their match against Goteborg tomorrow.
Leo Walta broke the deadlock from the penalty spot as the match entered its final quarter, but the Uppsala side could not hold on, and five minutes later Vladimir Rodic equalized shortly after his introduction.
Both teams - along with Degerfors - are on 14 points. Oster has recorded consecutive draws, while Sirius ended a streak of four straight losses, but both remain winless in six.
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