Ismaili, playing without angry keeper Essam Al-Hadari, leapfrogged Petrojet into second place in the Egyptian Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Mansoura on Sunday. The Dervishes had to do without the veteran goalie, who has been skipping training since winning the African Cup of Nations with Egypt last week. He is protesting against the club's refusal of two offers for him from Sudan's Merreikh and English second-division side Watford in the winter transfer window. Mohamed Sobhi, who recently extended his contract with Ismaili, deputized for him. Ismaili wasted several chances early in the first half before going ahead in the 39th minute. Beshir Al-Tabie, who was considering retiring from professional football before changing his mind and joining Mansoura, felled winger Ahmed Samir Farag as the referee pointed to the spot. Ismaili right-back Ahmed Sedik stepped up to convert the penalty and give his side the lead. Promoted Mansoura leveled the score two minutes before the break via another penalty, which was converted by striker Wali Mowafi. Egypt defender Moatasem Salem handed Ismaili a valuable victory with a trademark header six minute past the hour mark. Ismaili, who finished runners up to Ahli last season, have 31 points from 16 games, two ahead of third-placed Petrojet who lost 1-0 to Ittihad. Ahli are four points clear of Ismaili but could extend their advantage to seven if they beat Ghazl Mahalla on Monday.
