Paradou AC’s goalkeeper Mokhtar Ferrahi turned hero on Friday with a last-gasp equaliser to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw against USM Khenchela in the opening match of round 23 in the Algerian Football League.
In a thrilling contest, Paradou started strong with a second-minute opener from Ivorian forward Youssef Daou. But the home team quickly bounced back. Mohamed Reda Boumchra levelled in the 29th minute before Hamid Jaouchi fired Khenchela ahead in the 38th.
Paradou pushed for an equaliser as time slipped away. Just when it seemed all hope was lost, Ferrahi stunned everyone with a powerful header in the seventh minute of stoppage time. The goalkeeper’s rare goal salvaged a crucial point for the visitors.
The result leaves Paradou AC in sixth place with 31 points, while Khenchela sits 12th on 25 points.
Elsewhere, Najm Shabab Maqra boosted their survival hopes with a 2-0 win over Shabiba Essaoura. Adel Jaabout scored from the spot in the 69th minute, and Isaac Salaheddine Harari sealed the victory late on. Essaoura remain in ninth with 28 points.
