Masri and ENPPI, who caused upsets against Cairo duo Ahli and Zamalek last week, were held to draws by Ittihad and Smouha respectively in the Egyptian Premier League on Saturday. Port Said-based club Masri produced a spirited display to draw 1-1 at defending champions Ahli in their previous game but could not overcome Ittihad after surrendering their lead twice. Malian defender Eliassou Issiaka, who joined Masri in the close season, scored his first goal for the club to put them ahead after four minutes. Winger Mahmoud Abdul-Hakim, who was man of the match against Ahli, whipped in a cross for the unmarked Issiaka to head home. Cameroonian striker Edet Otobong also scored his maiden Ittihad goal to level the score 12 minutes after the restart. He outpaced his marker and ran onto a deft through pass to break clear of defense and notch home with aplomb. Issiaka netted his second of the night to restore Masri's advantage in the 75th minute. He sent the keeper the wrong way from the penalty spot after Ahmed Zahran was fouled by Ittihad's Cameroonian defender Felix Awoa, who was introduced in the second half.
ENPPI hold Smouha But Masri's celebrations were cut short with six minutes remaining when Ittihad skipper Ibrahim Al-Shayeb fired a low shot home from the edge of the area to secure a share of spoils. Masri lie eighth in the league table with five points from four games while Ittihad's poor start to the season leaves them 12th on three points. Newly-promoted Smouha could not secure their first top-flight win but were satisfied after holding ENPPI to a goalless draw. ENPPI earned plaudits for defeating Zamalek 3-1 for their first ever win over the White Knights but failed to break down Smouha away from home. Smouha, who drew their second successive game under new French manager Patrice Neveu, are second from bottom with two points. ENPPI, who spent big in the close season to bolster their squad, lie fourth with seven points. Gaish claimed their second consecutive victory after a brace from Ernest Papa Arko gave them a 2-1 win over Wadi Degla. The Ghanaian striker's second goal came in stoppage time as Wadi Degla failed to make up for their defeats by MCDR and Police Union.
