METLAOUI, Tunisia (Interstat) — In a Tunisian Ligue 1 match defying pregame projections, US Métlaoui and US Monastir played to a thrilling 2-2 draw Wednesday at Stade Municipal de Métlaoui.

The result saw Monastir, which statistical models heavily favored to win, salvage a point with a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer from forward Badara Naby Sylla, who scored both of his team’s goals.

The game was a tale of two halves, with a frantic final 20 minutes erasing what had been a tightly contested affair. The draw leaves Monastir’s league campaign characterized by stalemates, as they have now drawn eight of their 13 matches. Their record in the competition stands at four wins, one loss, and eight draws. Métlaoui’s record now sits at six wins, three losses, and seven draws.

The match began with physicality, as three yellow cards were issued in the first half. Monastir’s Ousmane Diané was booked in the seventh minute, followed by Métlaoui defender Yassine Soltani in the 32nd and Monastir’s Mahmoud Ghorbel in the 54th.

The deadlock was broken just before halftime. In the 43rd minute, Sylla netted his first of the evening, giving the visiting Monastir side a 1-0 lead that they carried into the break.

The game appeared to be slipping away from the home side until a remarkable two-minute span in the second half completely shifted the momentum. In the 73rd minute, Métlaoui substitute Fakhreddine Ben Youssef found the back of the net to level the score at 1-1. Just two minutes later, another Métlaoui substitute, Adnen Yaakoubi, scored to give the home team a stunning 2-1 lead.

The comeback seemed poised to hand Métlaoui a signature victory. However, deep into second-half stoppage time, Sylla struck again for Monastir. His goal in the third minute of added time secured a 2-2 draw and snatched two points from the grasp of the home team.

The result highlights Monastir’s continued struggles to convert draws into wins this Ligue 1 season. Their recent form shows a pattern of tight, low-scoring matches, including a 1-1 draw with Stade Gabesien and a 0-0 draw with Ben Guerdane in their two previous league outings. Their last victory in the competition was a 2-1 win over JS Omranienne on Oct. 5.

For Métlaoui, the draw represents a missed opportunity to build momentum after a mixed run of results. They entered the match following a 2-0 loss to Etoile du Sahel but had previously secured a 1-0 victory over Stade Gabesien. The team has shown an ability to grind out results, with this draw extending their record of avoiding defeat at home.

The pregame statistical analysis from Interstat proved inaccurate. Their game simulator had projected a 1-1 draw, while their ELO system gave Monastir a 90.10 percent probability of winning outright. The actual result fell between these forecasts, with Monastir needing a last-gasp goal to avoid a loss and only partially fulfilling their favored status.

Both teams now look ahead to their next Ligue 1 fixtures. Monastir is scheduled to host JS Kairouanaise on Saturday, while Métlaoui will welcome Zarzis on Sunday.