Ismaili failed to capitalize on Zamalek's slip-up against Ahli after being held to a goalless away draw by Aluminum in the Egyptian League on Saturday. Youssef Gamal headed the visitors in front six minutes after restart but Ismaili couldn't hold onto their lead as Yasser Mostafa equalized for Aluminum in the 65th minute. Ismaili finished with ten men on the field after defender Moatassem Salem picked up a second booking for yelling at the referee six minutes from time. The Dervishes could have comfortably extended their lead over Zamalek, who suffered a 2-0 loss to arch-rivals Ahli in the Cairo derby on Friday. Ismaili, who lie fourth in the league table, only managed to have a one-point advantage over fifth-placed Zamalek, who played an extra match. Ismaili compete with the likes of Zamalek, Petrojet and Al-Gaish for a Champions League spot as Ahli virtually guaranteed a fourth successive league title. League winners and runners-up will represent Egypt in next year's Champions League. African Cup of Nations best player Hosni Abd-Rabou had the first chance for Ismaili after 20 minutes when his close-range shot was parried by Aluminum keeper Mohamed Khalaf. Aluminum produced a couple of scares afterwards but Ismaili keeper Mohamed Sobhi was on alert to deny the hosts a possible lead. Ismaili striker Gamal broke the deadlock in the 51st minute with a well-placed header past Khalaf. Mostafa drew Aluminum level 14 minutes later when he connected with a corner to slot into the back of the net.
