Title holders Harras Al-Hodoud reached the last 16 of the Egyptian Cup with a narrow, hard-fought 1-0 victory at Sinbalawein, who have been relegated to the Third Division, on Friday night in the Delta city of Mansoura. The Alexandria-based club struggled to break down a resilient Sinbalawein side until striker Ahmed Abdel-Ghani, their top scorer in the league with nine goals, spared their blushes on the stroke of halftime.He converted a penalty after being tripped by Sinbalawein defender Mohamed Reda. The hosts could have grabbed the equaliser on several occasions in the second half, but wasted some clear-cut opportunities. Meanwhile, Ismaili, third in the league, eased into the second round with a 3-0 home victory over Aluminum in the Canal city of Ismailia on Friday night. Winger Ahmed Samir Farag opened the scoring after eight minutes when he capitalised on a mistimed jump by the keeper to head home after acorner.Striker Ahmed Ali doubled their lead in the 57th minute with a powerful low shot and talented midfielder Mohab Saeed completed the rout two minutes from time. Hosni Abd Rabou, who returned to Ismaili after ending a two-year loan spell with UAE side Ahly, was given a standing ovation when he ran round the track during the game. The Egypt midfielder recently rubbished reports linking him with moves to Cairo duo Ahly and Zamalek. He is ineligible to play in Ismaili's cup games. Fellow Premier League teams Arab Contractors, Al-Geish, Al-Ittihad of Alexandria and el-Masri have also booked a last 16-berth. Arab Contractors beat Maqassa 2-0 in Cairo, Al-Geish defeated Al-Nasr Mining 2-0 in Aswan, el-Masri outrivalled Beni Sueif 2-0 in the coastal city of Port Said and Al-Ittihad of Alexandria snatched a home 1-0 victory over Terana on Friday night. Mansoura, who played in the top flight this season, but have been relegated, also bowed out after losing to Tanta on penalties. Al-Hodoud, who won their first-ever trophy last season when they claimed the Egyptian Cup title, will face another lower division side in Ragaa in the next round on Tuesday. Ragaa, who are based in Mersa Matrouh Governorate, caused a huge upset after eliminating Police Union, who finished fifth in the Premier League this season. The normal and extra time ended goalless, as Raga beat Police 5-3 on penalties in the Alexandria on Friday night to set up a meeting against Al-Hodoud. "We practised a lot of penalties in training in the days leading up to the game," said Ragaa coach Tareq Mahgoub. Additional reporting from Al-Messa newspaper and Filgoal.com.
