A second-half brace from lively playmaker Abdullah Saied helped Ismaili come from behind to earn a 2-1 away victory over Masri in an ill-tempered Egyptian League clash. Ismaili trailed to Ahmed Galal's goal just before the break but Saied came to their rescue with a virtuoso performance to top the scorers' chart with six goals. The 23-year-old leveled the score on the hour mark before notching the decisive goal one minute from time. Ismaili and Masri finished with ten on the field. Masri defender Mohamed Hafez was sent off for two bookable offenses while Ismaili had controversial defender Ibrahim Saied dismissed for a confrontation with the home fans. Ismaili, who failed to win their last two league games, climbed into the third spot on 13 points, four behind leaders Petrojet, who played an extra match. Port Said-based club Masri, who failed to end a six-match winless streak, slipped to ninth place on eight points. The pressure is likely to increase on coach Hossam Hassan, who watched the match from the stands as he serves a six-match touchline ban. Masri dominated possession in the first half, inspired by the enthusiastic support from the home crowd. However, they were restricted to an early effort from midfielder Ashour Al-Adham, whose fierce drive was tipped onto the post by Ismaili keeper Mohamed Sobhi. But a common error from Sobhi gifted Masri the lead one minute before halftime. His blunder will most likely encourage Ismaili to step up their efforts to sign a new guardian. Talented playmaker Wagih Abdul-Azim got the better of Samuel Johnson on the right flank before releasing Mohamed Al-Gabbas with a deft pass.
Saied in hot water Al-Gabbas sent in a low cross that squirmed beneath Sobhi and went into the path of Galal, who tapped in into an empty net. Heated Half There were some heated comments made to the referee by players from both sides in the second period. Ismaili and Masri protested every single decision referee Samir Othman took. Saied drew Ismaili level in the 60th minute after curling a delightful free-kick that sailed over the wall and into the top corner of the net. Masri's hopes of restoring their advantage were dealt a major blow when Hafez received his marching orders for tugging Omar Gamal as he earned a second yellow card. But Ismaili's numerical advantage did not last for too long. Few minutes later, Ibrahim Saied demonstrated that he is yet to ditch the bad boy image that accompanied him throughout his career. The former Zamalek and Ahli defender, who got a yellow card few minutes earlier, was sent off in the 74th minute for kicking the ball towards Masri fans. Othman deemed his action provocative to the Masri supporters, who hurled a barrage of insults against the former Egypt defender. Saied sealed a precious win for Ismaili shortly before the end when he created space for himself on the edge of the area before unleashing a superb right-footed shot that beat Masri keeper Haytham Mohamed at the near post. Watch the match's goals
