Ismaily struck late to secure a 1-0 victory over Ittihad El-Shorta in a rescheduled Egyptian Premier League game to go joint top of Group B.
Striker Ahmed Ali scored the winner two minutes from time with a close-range effort as Ismaily maintained their perfect start to the season.
“Today’s win will motivate the team ahead of the Arab UAFA Cup game against CR Belouizdad,” Ali said in a television interview after the game.
“After my goal against El-Shorta, I hope to book a place in the Egyptian national team squad,” he added.
The Dervishes host Algeria’s Belouizdad on Wednesday in the second leg of the Arab UAFA Cup quarter-finals, having held them to a 1-1 draw in Algeria in the first leg.
Ismaily have maximum 12 points from four games in Group B of the league’s new system, behind leaders Zamalek on goal difference.
Ittihad El-Shorta are third with four points from four games.
Ahram
