A last-gasp header by Moatasem Salem earned Ismaili a hard-fought 2-1 home victory over Telecom Egypt in the Egyptian League on Thursday. Iraqi striker Mostafa Karim fired the hosts in front 16 minutes before the break, taking his tally to six goals this season. Mohamed Ateya capitalized on a common error by Ismaili keeper Mohamed Sobhi to level the score two minutes past the hour mark. The game looked as though it was heading for a draw but the unmarked Salem headed home three minutes into stoppage time to give Ismaili all three points. The Dervishes' third successive win put them in second place of the league table with 26 points. They narrowed the gap with leaders Petrojet to just three points after the latter were held to a 1-1 draw by Tersana. Ismaili will go level on points with Petrojet should they win a rescheduled league game against title holders Ahli. Ahli, who are busy taking part in the FIFA Club World Cup, will occupy the summit if they win their four rescheduled matches. Telecom's defeat extended their winless streak to five matches as they lie ninth in the table on 16 points. Goal Disallowed
Telecom defender Mohamed Ibrahim was unfortunate to have a goal disallowed for offside after 12 minutes. Television replays showed that Ibrahim was played onside by two defenders when he raced onto a deft through pass before placing his shot into the bottom corner. Ismaili took the lead in the 29th minute when Karim collected a pass from Ahmed Samir inside the area before firing a low shot that left Telecom's third-choice keeper Mahmoud Atef with no chance. The hosts slowed down afterwards, allowing Telecom to gain control over the game. Ismaili's midfield duo Mohamed Soliman 'Hommos' and Abdullah Al-Shahat failed to accomplish their defensive duty, leaving huge gaps for Telecom men to make use of. Telecom's pressure paid off in the 62nd minute when Ateya grabbed the equalizer. Sobhi justified Ismaili's decision to sign Iraqi keeper Nour Sabri in January as he could only manage to fumble an innocuous cross into the path of an Ismaili forward inside the area. Ateya capitalized on Sobhi's blunder to swoop and head the ball in off the bar. Salem spared Ismaili's blushes deep into stoppage time when he escaped his marker, took advantage of Atef's mis-timed jump and headed home.
