Nine-man Ismaili staged a remarkable second-half comeback to beat struggling side Tersana 2-1 and leapfrog ENPPI into second place of the Egyptian League table. The visitors fell to Talaat Moharam's opener after just seven minutes. Ismaili's equalizer hopes were dealt a major blow when Guinean midfielder Samuel Johnson received his marching orders for a second bookable offense five minutes later. However, they managed to level the score seven minutes after the restart through a penalty from in-form Iraqi striker Mostafa Karim. Ismaili had another player dismissed on the hour mark when Ahmed Abdul-Aziz's reckless challenge on an opponent brought him a second yellow card. Tersana failed to capitalize on their numerical advantage, wasting a host of clear-cut opportunities. The Hammers also saw tough-tackling defender Amr Abdou sent-off in the 85th minute to complete the remaining minutes with ten men. A rare counter attack by Ismaili saw Karim, whom the Dervishes considered to release, notch the decisive strike two minutes from time to take his tally to eight league goals. The 21-year-old is on top of the scorers' chart, one goal ahead of Telecom Egypt's Mostafa Gaafar.
The result put Ismaili in second place with 29 points, just one adrift of leaders Petrojet, who played an extra match. Tersana, who extended their winless streak to three matches, slipped to the bottom on 12 points. Karim's Brilliance Tersana had the initiative as early as the seventh minute when striker Moharam latched onto Hani Hassan's long ball before sending a delicate chip over Ismaili keeper Mohamed Sobhi. He was unlucky not to double Tersana's advantage in the 25th minute after his fierce drive struck the woodwork. Karim drew Ismaili level in the 52nd minute when he converted a penalty after being brought down by Abdou. Tersana should have restored their lead on numerous occasions but striker Ahed Abdul-Maguid and skipper Hassan failed to apply the finishing touches. They were made to pay for their wastefulness when Karim put Ismaili ahead with two minutes remaining. He rose above his marker to head home Omar Gamal's inch-perfect cross from the right.
