Ismaili failed to capitalize on their numerical advantage as they were held to a goalless draw by 10-man Harras Al-Hodoud in the Egyptian League on Wednesday. Last season's runners-up Ismaili had hoped to secure their second successive win following their 3-1 victory over ENPPI in the league opener. They had a golden opportunity to do so when Al-Hodoud's left-back Abdul-Rahman Farouk was sent-off early in the second half after collecting a second booking for simulation. But despite laying siege to Al-Hodoud's goal, Ismaili created few clear-cut chances. Defender Sherif Abdul-Fadil came close to breaking Al-Hodoud's resistance seven minutes past the hour mark but the post denied his close-range header. Ismaili are temporarily in charge of the league table with four points, one ahead of Ahli, who face Masri later in the day. Al-Hodoud, who slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Petrojet in the league opener, are ninth on one point.
