Paradou AC had the lead and a numerical advantage for the entire second half but were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against USM Alger in Tuesday's Algeria Ligue 1 clash.
USMA had the best opportunity in the first half. A 6th minute corner kick was not cleared by the PAC defense and the ball fell kindly to USMA midfielder Oussama Chita whose shot from six yards was brilliantly saved by Paradou goalkeeper Mohamed Sahnoun.
Paradou found the goal just before halftime after USMA defender Kévin Mondeko used his hand to deny a clear shot on goal, resulting in a penalty kick and a red card to the former TP Mazembe player. Ligue 1 top scorer Adil Boulbina converted from the spot to give PAC the lead and donned a clown mask in an entertaining celebration.
However, despite being reduced to ten players, hosts USMA bounced back and managed to level the match early in the second half when PAC committed a hand ball offense in their penalty area. CAF Confederation Cup top scorer Ismail Belkacemi's resulting penalty kick snuck past Sahnoun and the teams shared the points when the full time whistle arrived.
USMA still remain within range of league leaders JS Kabylie, training by four points in 5th position with two matches to make up on JSK. Paradou are two points ahead of USMA in 4th place but have played two more matches than close competitors USMA, CR Belouizdad and MC Alger.
Match Highlights
League Table (Top-5)
GP | Points | |
JS Kabylie | 15 | 25 |
MC Alger | 13 | 24 |
CR Belouizdad | 13 | 23 |
Paradou AC | 15 | 23 |
USM Alger | 13 | 21 |
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