Ismaili, already blighted by financial problems and injuries to key players, will have another major worry when they face bitter rivals Ahli in the African Champions League on Sunday.
The Dervishes could not have a worse start to their group stage campaign after slumping to a 1-0 home loss to Algeria’s JS Kabylie despite dominating possession for the majority of the game.
Kabylie bagged maximum six points from two games after overcoming Nigeria’s Heartland 1-0 on Saturday, leaving Ismaili and Ahli with few options at Cairo Stadium.
On paper, six-time African champions Ahli, who settled for a 1-1 draw at Heartland in their first game, look overwhelming favorites to secure a win that would deal a huge blow to Ismaili’s chances of booking a last-four berth.
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