Ismaili claimed a vital goalless draw at Algeria's USM Alger in the semi-final first leg of the Arab Club Cup, thanks to some crucial saves from international keeper Mohamed Sobhi. Sobhi made a couple of second-half saves to deny the Algerians, who were also inspired by an excellent performance from their goalie Mohamed Zemmamouche. It is Ismaili's second meeting against an Algerian side at the competition, having marched through the quarter-finals at the expense of Chabab Belouizdad on penalties. The other semi-final game will be played later on the day between Kuwaiti side Al-Arabi and Morocco's Raja Casablanca. Ismaili, who kick off their CAF Confederation Cup campaign against Madagascar's TCO Boeny on Saturday, play the return leg against USM on April 2.
