CAIRO – On Monday night, Arab Contractors qualified for the Egypt Cup semis, beating Ismaili 3-1 in Cairo. Ismaili started the game enthusiastically, pressing the Contractors in an attempt to score an early goal, but the Contractors' keeper and defence did well to keep them out. But, as the game progressed, the Dervishes were totally outclassed at Green Mountain, with a brace by Nigerian striker Musa Kabiru and a splendid freekick from Alaa Kamal sending the Contractors through to the semi-finals. Kabiru scored either side of the interval, while Kamal's goal came in the second-half. Egypt midfielder Hosni Abd Rabou netted the Dervishes' only goal from the spot, also in the second-halt. Contractors, who finished bottom of the Egyptian Premier League last season, will meet Enppi, who beat Police Union 6-5 on penalties, in the semis. It will be a repeat of the 2008 Cup semi-final as, ironically, Zamalek and Harras Al-Hodoud clash in the other game just as they did three years ago. In the Contractors-Ismaili match, clashes erupted between the fans at half-time. Fans on each side threw stones at each other, injuring a policeman. The referee Mahmoud Ashour had to delay the restart for around 10 minutes as police dealt with the problem. Ismaili's fans and board were very angry, blaming the players for a bad performance. It was reported on Tuesday that the board will meet with newly appointed coach Hossam Hassan to discuss the team's defeat. In related news, Ismaili's general trainer Abu Taleb el-Essawi on Tuesday announced his resignation, following the team's defeat, according to local media yesterday. It was said el-Essawi is upset, as he has been marginalised by the coaching staff and Hassan has treated him shabbily
