Ismaili coach Hossam Hassan doesn't seem to be bothered by his side's surprise Egyptian Cup exit at the hands of Arab Contractors. Title contenders Ismaili were totally outclassed by their hosts, who won 3-1 in Cairo to book a place in the semis. “The Egyptian Cup is just a preparation for the league,” Hassan, who took charge of the Dervishes this summer, said. “The competition helped me discover some errors, so that the team can be ready when the season starts.”
Glory days On the other hand, a jubilant Mohamed Radwan hopes to build on his team's success after finishing bottom of the league last term. “Last season we faced some tough conditions, but this season I hope things would be different,” he said. “The cup will be our first step on the road to get Contractors back to glory days.” Contractors, who won the CAF Cup Winners Cup three times in 1982, 1983 and 1996, have been struggling between the top flight and the second division during the past decade.
