Pompey, who face a winding-up order on Wednesday, went behind when Ricardo Rocha saw red for tripping Darren Bent and the striker scored from the spot.
Cardiff could still come up with an agreed repayment structure - so the club avoid a winding-up order just days before their lucrative FA Cup fifth round tie with holders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
But the North Wales club face a troubled few weeks before pre-season training starts as Crusaders face a winding-up order in the High Court in London on Wednesday from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs over unpaid tax.
Administrator Rob Sadler had previously set a deadline of 1200 BST on Thursday for the final offer from the Majeeds' SA Group to be accepted or rejected - having delayed winding up the club on Wednesday in order for the creditors to review that bid.