METLAOUI, Tunisia (Interstat) — In a Tunisian Ligue 1 opener that defied pregame projections, CS Metlaoui and AS Soliman played to a 2-2 draw Friday night at Stade Municipal de Métlaoui.

The match, which saw three goals scored after the 64th minute, including a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer, delivered a result that statistical models did not foresee. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 1-1 draw, while its ELO rating system gave Metlaoui a 75.4 percent probability of securing a victory on its home pitch. Instead, both clubs opened their league campaigns with a share of the points.

The home side, Metlaoui, struck first. In the 23rd minute, forward Fares Meskini found the back of the net with a left-footed finish, giving his team an early advantage that held for much of the first half. Soliman, the visiting team, struggled to break through Metlaoui’s defense until the latter stages of the match.

The game turned in the second half. Soliman’s Cherif Bodian leveled the score in the 64th minute, beating the goalkeeper with a right-footed shot to make it 1-1. The equalizer shifted momentum and set up a tense final half-hour as both teams pushed for a winner.

That decisive goal appeared to come in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time. Soliman’s Helmi Jouidi scored a right-footed goal, seemingly snatching a stunning victory on the road at 2-1. However, in a final twist, Metlaoui responded almost immediately from the ensuing kickoff. Before the final whistle could blow, the home side managed to claw back a second goal of its own, securing the 2-2 final.

The frantic finish ensured both teams began their 2025-2026 Ligue 1 seasons with identical records: no wins, no losses and one draw. The result also mirrored each club’s overall record across all competitions to start the year.

The draw will be viewed as a valuable point earned on the road for Soliman, which overcame a significant pregame probability to win. For Metlaoui, the result will likely be seen as two points dropped, given its strong favoritism and the late nature of Soliman’s go-ahead goal, despite the resilient last-gasp response.

The match, played on Jan. 23, 2026, showcased the unpredictable nature of the Tunisian top flight, where statistical advantages do not guarantee results. Both teams will look to secure their first victory of the season in their next league fixtures.