DOUÉRA, Algeria (Interstat) — Substitute Mohamed Islam Bakir scored a stunning free-kick in stoppage time to complete a dramatic comeback for MC Alger in a 2-1 victory over USM Khenchela in an Algerian Ligue 1 match on Tuesday.

The match, played before a home crowd at Stade Ali Ammar, appeared destined for a draw until Bakir’s moment of brilliance in the final seconds of regulation time secured three critical points for the league leaders.

The visitors from Khenchela, defying pregame projections, took a shock lead just before halftime. In the first minute of first-half stoppage time, Bakir, who had entered the match earlier, curled a perfectly placed free kick over the wall and into the net, giving USM Khenchela a 1-0 advantage. The goal was against the run of play and silenced the home supporters.

MC Alger, which entered the match with a dominant domestic record of 13 wins, two losses and one draw, controlled possession and pressure throughout the second half but struggled to break down a resolute Khenchela defense. The breakthrough finally came in the 87th minute. Midfielder Mohamed Zougrana, who was shown a yellow card in the 21st minute, provided the assist on a cross that found forward Abdelkader Menezla, who powered home a header to level the score at 1-1.

Just as the match seemed headed for a share of the points, MC Alger earned a free kick in a dangerous position in the dying moments. Bakir, who had scored Khenchela’s opener, was again the decisive figure, but this time at the wrong end for his team. The MC Alger substitute, sharing a name with his opponent’s goalscorer, stepped up and delivered an almost identical set-piece strike, beating the goalkeeper to snatch a dramatic winner for the hosts.

The victory extends MC Alger’s formidable position atop the Ligue 1 table, improving their season record to 14 wins, two losses and one draw. The loss leaves USM Khenchela in the middle of the standings with seven wins, six losses and six draws.

The match was a tense affair, reflected in three yellow cards. Following Zougrana’s early booking, USM Khenchela’s Oussama Benhaoua was cautioned in the 74th minute. MC Alger’s Hamid Djaouchi also received a yellow card in the 79th minute during the hosts’ pressing second-half push.

The result reversed the outcome of the teams’ previous meeting this season on Oct. 30, 2025, when MC Alger secured a 1-0 away victory. It also defied the pregame simulation from Interstat, which had projected a 1-1 draw, though the organization’s ELO rating system heavily favored MC Alger with an 85.3% probability to win.

MC Alger’s resilience continues a strong run of form, having defeated Paradou AC 2-0 in their previous league match. USM Khenchela, coming off a 2-1 win over Kabylie, saw their momentum halted by the last-gasp defeat.

The win reinforces MC Alger’s status as the team to beat in Algeria this season, demonstrating a championship-caliber ability to secure vital points even when not at their fluent best. For USM Khenchela, it was a cruel defeat after a disciplined and battling performance on the road against the league leaders.