Ismaili were made to pay for some dreadful defensive blunders to lose 2-1 at Arab Contractors and miss out on the chance of making it four wins out of for in the Egyptian Premier League. The Dervishes, buoyed by their 4-2 Champions League victory over bitter rivals Ahli despite their elimination from the tournament, barely mustered a decent effort on goal throughout the game. Contractors made the most of their opponents' shaky defense to secure their first victory of the season after making a poor start to their campaign. Striker Ehab Al-Masri wasted a penalty but he atoned for it when he put the hosts in front midway through the first half. Palestinian midfielder Mohamed Samara doubled their advantage ten minutes before the break. Winger Ahmed Samir Farag scored from a free kick with 15 minutes remaining to take his tally to four goals in as many games but his strike was not enough to help Ismaili get something from the match. Ismaili, who still have two games in hand, lie sixth in the league table with nine points, two behind leaders Masri. Contractors, whose win will ease pressure on coach Hamza Al-Gamal, are third from bottom on four points. Last season's Egyptian Cup winners Harras Hodoud claimed their first victory of the season after beating Gaish 2-1. Ahmed Moksha needed five minutes to put Hodoud in front but Amer Sabri drew Gaish level in the 56th minute.
Contractors outplayed Ismaili Egyptian international striker Ahmed Mekki headed home 14 minutes from time to give Hodoud a much-needed victory. Tarek Al-Ashri's side made a stuttering start to their league campaign and are on the verge of exiting the African Confederation Cup from the group stage. Defensive Fragilities Ismaili's defensive fragilities were clear from the very beginning, with Contractors wasting several goalscoring opportunities in the first 20 minutes. The visitors' goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi was in sparkling form, producing some great saves to thwart Contractors forwards. He superbly blocked two headers from Nigerian striker Musa Kabiru and Samara early in the game. The 29-year-old also saved a penalty from Al-Masri awarded for a handball on central defender Moatasem Salem, who had a night to forget. But Al-Masri made amends on 23 minutes when he slotted into an empty after some good work from Kabiru, who was picked out unmarked in the area to evade a challenge from Salem and Sobhi before squaring the ball for his strike teammate. Samara added the second with a low shot from inside the area after holding off Salem, who was linked with a summer move to Ahli. Mohamed Al-Nenni could have widened the gap in the 57th minute but was unlucky to see his low shot strike the post. Farag netted a consolation in the 76th minute with a curling free kick but Contractors held on for a precious win.
