Walid Soliman's brace led Petrojet to a stunning 2-1 away victory over Ismaili on Saturday as the petroleum club regained their place on top of the Egyptian League table. The talented midfielder scored either side of the interval to help Petrojet make amends for their embarrassing 4-0 defeat to title holders Ahli last month. Ismaili, who were defensively exposed, narrowed the gap via Mostafa Karim's goal in the 70th minute but Petrojet held firm to emerge winners. Petrojet climbed into the summit with 14 points, one ahead of second-placed Zamalek, who still have two games in hand. Ismaili, who suffered two league defeats so far, slipped into fourth place on 10 points. Shaky Defense Ismaili's new coach Heron Ricardo, who watched the match from the stands, will have to improve the standard of the team's bench. The Substitutes often fail to cover for missing regulars. The hosts were made to pay for some slack defending. They missed the presence of combative defender Sherif Abdul-Fadil, who was absent due to suspension.
Karim's strike wasn't enough for Ismaili Egyptian international Ibrahim Saied also missed the game after being involved in a dispute with Ricardo and assistant coach Khaled Al-Qammash. Ismaili took charge of the early stages and were unlucky not to open the scoring. Omar Gamal's delightful curling shot grazed the post after six minutes. The diminutive winger had another effort shortly after but his half-volley was thwarted by Petrojet keeper Ahmed Fawzi. Petrojet stunned the home crowd as Soliman put them ahead against the run of play in the 28th minute, thanks to some good work by veteran striker Alaa Ibrahim. Ibrahim, who was given a rare starting berth, tricked Ibrahim Yehia inside the area before squaring to Soliman, who had the easiest of tap-ins. Ismaili piled on pressure in the second period but Petrojet's neat counter attacks thwarted the Dervishes' efforts. Soliman doubled Petrojet's advantage in the 64th minute when he latched onto Ahmed Shaaban's deft pass inside the area before coolly slotting home past Mohamed Sobhi. Iraqi striker Karim, who was Ismaili's liveliest performer, scored Ismaili's only goal six minutes later when he poked into an empty net after Fawzi parried Gamal's shot into his path.
