Former Enyimba striker Tosin Omoyele scored his first goal of the season to inspire his Algerian side USM Khenchela (USMK) to an important 2-3 win away over champions Chabab Belouizdad on Saturday, www.aclsports.com reports.
Khenchela went into the game having won their first two matches of the season against high profile sides Entêntê Setif and JS Kabylie. They were then looking to make it three key wins in a row at the start of the new season.
In the game decided at the August 20, 1955 Stadium in Algiers, the visiting Khenchela side went in front as early as the 7th minute through Omoyele who exuded brilliant composure before finishing past Belouizdad goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz after an error by veteran midfielder Adlene Guediora.
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As expected though, Belouizdad fought back and equalised in the 25th minute in fortuitous fashion. Experienced Khenchela defender Nabil Saadou inadvertently put into his own net to level matters.
Undaunted, USM Khenchela went back in front two minutes before the break through Hamza Rebiai who tapped home from close range after Belouizdad goalkeeper Guendouz spilled a long range free kick onto his path.
The hosts however ensured that both teams were even at half time when Oussama Darfalou, unmarked inside the box finished into the bottom right to make the scores 2-2.
Belouizdad almost snatched the lead just before the hour mark when they were awarded a controversial spot kick for a supposed handball. Khenchela goalkeeper Sofiane Khedairia however pulled off a magnificent save to deny Darfalou from twelve yards.
Omoyele will however have a hand in what turned out to be Khenchela’s winning goal. The striker held up play brilliantly before playing in Sid Ali Lamri who was upended by Guediora inside the box with one minute of normal time left.
Midfielder Hassen Ogbi Benhadouche converted the ensuing kick to give Mourad Okbi-led Khenchela a famous win over the reigning league champions. The win keeps Omoyele’s team in second spot on the log only because of inferior goals difference to leaders MC Alger who have played a game more.
Khenchela’s tough run of fixtures continue when they face reigning CAF Confederation Cup champions USM Alger on Tuesday in Algiers.
