ISMAILIA: Al-Gaish failed to hold onto their lead after two of their players were dismissed as Ismaili claimed a 4-2 home victory to continue the battle for second spot. The visitors took the lead early in the game through a Gomaa Mashour penalty. But Al-Gaish s hopes of maintaining their advantage were dealt a major blow after Hassan Awad and Ibrahim Al-Shayeb were sent off early in the second half. Ismaili soon capitalized on their numerical advantage as Sherif Abdel Fadil, who received his marching orders later on, leveled the score. Youssef Gamal put the Dervishes ahead as the hosts looked on their way to a comfortable win. Two goals from Abdullah Al-Saied and substitute Mostafa Karim ensured Ismaili would claim all three points. Mashour struck home from another penalty in the dying seconds but his goal proved just a consolation. Ismaili climbed to second place in the Egyptian League table with 50 points, ahead of third-placed Zamalek on goal difference. Al-Gaish are third on 47 points. Zamalek, Ismaili and Al-Gaish compete for the second spot which brings with it CAF Champions League qualification.
