Ismaili consolidated second place in the Egyptian League after claiming an easy 2-0 home victory over cup finalists ENPPI on Wednesday. A howler by ENPPI keeper Amer Mohamed, who deputized for regular guardian Mostafa Kamal, gifted Hosni Abd-Rabou the opener after two minutes. The Egypt midfielder's attempted cross from a left-wing free-kick flew past Amer, who misjudged the ball. Midfielder Abdullah Saied extended the lead in the 29th minute when his free header from Omar Gamal's cross went into the back of the net. Ismaili dominated the entire match but, apart from their goals, rarely threatened the visitors. Saied almost added a third one minute from time when Amer blocked Gamal's fierce drive into his path but he fired poorly wide from seven yards. Ismaili are second in the league table with 40 points, three ahead of third-placed Zamalek, who host Masri on Thursday. Both sides compete for the final CAF Champions League qualifying spot as runaway leaders Ahli have virtually secured a fourth successive league title.
