CAIRO (Interstat) — In a match that defied pregame projections, Petrojet and ENPPI opened their Egyptian Premier League campaigns with a 1-1 draw on Friday afternoon at Petrosport Stadium in Kattameya.

The contest, which saw a first-half red card and a late equalizer, finished in a stalemate that left both clubs with identical records to start the season: zero wins, zero losses and one draw across all competitions.

The match’s complexion changed dramatically in the 33rd minute when Petrojet’s Mohamed Ali Okasha was shown a straight red card, forcing the home side to play a man down for nearly 60 minutes. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Petrojet struck first just before halftime. In the second minute of first-half stoppage time, forward Bader Mousa finished a play set up by midfielder Adham Hamed to give the ten-man hosts a surprising 1-0 lead.

ENPPI, which had been favored by statistical models to win, struggled to break down Petrojet’s resilient defense for much of the second half. The visitors finally found their breakthrough in the 57th minute. Substitute Ahmed Khalil Kalosha, who had just entered the match, leveled the score with a well-taken goal, assisted by midfielder Qobolwakhe Sibande.

The goal sparked a more open final half-hour, though neither side could find a winner. The physical tone of the match was reflected in the booking of both assist providers, with Petrojet’s Adham Hamed receiving a yellow card in the 56th minute and ENPPI’s Qobolwakhe Sibande booked in the 77th minute.

The result was a statistical anomaly. According to Interstat’s pregame projections, ENPPI was forecast to win 1-0. Furthermore, the same service’s ELO rating system had given Petrojet an 86.2 percent probability of victory under normal circumstances, a forecast upended by the early red card and the ensuing tactical battle.

The draw leaves both teams seeking their first victory of the young Premier League season, with Petrojet likely more satisfied after earning a point despite being shorthanded for most of the match.