ALGER (Interstat) — The Stade du 5 Juillet 1962 roared as USM Alger opened its Ligue 1 season with a commanding victory Friday, dispatching Paradou AC with a flurry of goals that defied pregame projections.

Ahmed Khaldi headed home the opening goal in the 23rd minute, powering the home side ahead after a tense opening stretch. Paradou AC responded just before the halftime whistle, as substitute Mohamed El Amine Ramdaoui struck with his right foot in the 45th minute to level the score.

The second half belonged almost entirely to USM Alger. Glody Likonza restored the home lead in the 49th minute with a right-footed finish. Ramdaoui completed his brace for Paradou AC in the 58th minute, again with his right foot, pulling the visitors level for a second time. But the deadlock did not last.

Forward Riad Benayad took over the proceedings late. He scored his first goal in the 82nd minute with a header to put USM Alger ahead, then sealed the victory with a right-footed strike deep into stoppage time, in the fourth minute of added time. Benayad’s two goals proved decisive, as the home side ultimately prevailed by a final score of four goals to two.

The victory gave USM Alger a record of one win and no losses in Ligue 1 competition, as well as across all competitions. Paradou AC fell to zero wins and one loss in league play and overall.

Defender Ilyes Cheti was cautioned with a yellow card in the 32nd minute for a foul. Imad Eddine Azzi, also a defender, received a yellow card in the 74th minute. Substitute Mohamed Imed Reguieg picked up a yellow card in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time. Azzi and Cheti each contributed an assist in the match, along with Reguieg, who set up one of the goals.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of USM Alger one goal, Paradou AC one goal. Interstat’s ELO system had projected USM Alger with an 82.20 percent probability to win.