This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.
Ismaily, Petrojet stumble in Egyptian Premier League race Ismaily and Petrojet fail to take advantage of another slip-up from Zamalek after being held to 1-1 draws in the Egyptian Premier League on Saturday
Ismaily and Petrojet surrendered a chance to increase the gap on Group B challengers Zamalek after being held to 1-1 draws by Ittihad El-Shorta and Wadi Degla respectively on Saturday. Injury-hit Ismaily looked to be cruising to a much-needed win when debutant Abdul Bashiru opened the scoring after six minutes; the Ghanaian's half-volley from the edge of the area going into the bottom corner of the net. Although the youthful-looking Ismaily played without a host of key players including Egyptian international midfielders Hosni Abd-Rabou and Amr El-Sulaya, they were in control for most of the game, wasting some clear-cut chances. Ghanaian striker John Antwi was guilty of two glaring misses and Ismaily were punished in the latter stages when El-Shorta poured forward in search of an equalizer they eventually got with five minutes remaining. A low shot from Nigerian midfielder Maarouf Yusuf, who was unchallenged, went past Ismaily's keeper to help El-Shorta secure a share of spoils. Group leaders Petrojet fell behind when Degla's Ethiopian striker Saladin Said opened the scoring in the 69th minute after beating his marker to a low cross at the near post. However, a superb individual effort from striker Marwan Mohsen, who flicked a long ball over his marker and slotted home under the body of veteran keeper Essam El-Hadary on 78 minutes, restored parity. Petrojet are still on top with 26 points from 14 games, five clear of Ismaily who have a game in hand. Zamalek, who were held to a 1-1 draw by El-Gaish on Thursday to extend their winless run to four matches, have 16 points from 11 games. The group winners and runners-up will advance to a mini-league four-team phase to determine the champion. (For moresports news and updates,followAhramOnline Sportson Twitter at@AO_Sportsand on Facebook atAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/98355.aspx
