Ismaili left it to the second half to score twice and secure 2-0 home victory over Kenya's Sofapaka on Saturday to advance to the African Champions League round of 32. The hosts, who are stumbling in the Egyptian Premier League, struggled to create clear-cut opportunities in the first half as they sought to break the deadlock after the first leg ended goalless in Kenya. Their best chance before halftime fell to talented playmaker Abdullah Saied, who was unlucky to see his shot strike the post in the 36th minute. The first period ended goalless amid fears that Ismaili could suffer a stunning exit from the preliminary round. However, roared on by the home crowd, the Dervishes improved after the restart to end the resistance of Sofapaka. A superb long ball forward from attacking midfielder Mohab Saied found the unmarked Mohamed Hommos at the far post in the 54th minute. The Ismaili skipper perfectly controlled the ball before placing it into the bottom corner. Abdullah Saied made sure of the victory seven minutes past the hour mark when Sofapaka keeper parried Ahmed Samir Farag's shot into his path to slot home from close range.
