Ahead on the scoreboard thanks to Mehdi Baaloudj’s first goal for Clermont Foot 63 (1-0, 10th), Sébastien Bichard’s men conceded a draw following Hacène Benali’s equaliser shortly after the hour mark (1-1, 65th) despite their efforts to try to win.
Things started off in the best possible way. Well served by Habib Keïta, Mehdi Baaloudj got rid of his defender on his control and followed up with a powerful cross shot that Quentin Beunardeau could only touch (1-0, 10th).
Although the two teams traded blows at the end of the first half, it was Red Star who equalised shortly after the hour mark. On a well-executed counter-attack, Hacène Benali found himself alone at the far post and crucified Massamba N’Diaye (1-1, 65th).
A few minutes later, Cheick Oumar Konaté hits the bar with a shot from the edge of the area (71st). Mehdi Baaloudj, who followed up well, falls in turn on the goalkeeper and then on a Red Star defender.
On an express counter-attack initiated by Massamba N’Diaye and Baïla Diallo, Ousmane Diop found himself alone in front of Quentin Beunardeau, but the Clermont striker was unable to beat him (83rd).
On Friday, Clermont Foot 63 will travel to Grenoble to try to get a victory (8 p.m.).
Match sheet. Clermont Foot 63 – Red Star FC 1-1
CF63. N’Diaye – Konate, Da Silva, Jacquet (Mwimba, 79th), Diallo – Magnin (Bouchenna, 78th), Keita, Saivet (cap., Ackra, 55th) – Bassouamina (Customs, 55th), Baaloudj (Diedhiou, 78th), Diop. Coach: Sébastien Bichard.
RSFC. Beunardeau – Durivaux, Escartin, Kouagba (cap.), Hachem – Ifnaoui (Botella, 90th+2), Dembi, Renel (El Hriti, 87th), Cissé (Durand, 58th) – Benali (Mendy, 86th), Anani (Fall , 58e). Coach: Grégory Poirier.
Scorers. CF63: Baaloudj (10th). RSFC : Benali (65e).
Yellow cards. CF63: Konate (20th), Ackra (82nd). RSFC : Cisse (30th).
Arbitrator. Ahmed Taleb.
