Leaving it for late
Egypt's Ismaili kept their hope alive of reaching the Champions League finals after Saturday's late home win over Tunisia's Esperance 3-1, writes Abeer Anwar
The Tunisians will host Ismaili in the return leg at Al-Menzah Stadium in Tunis on 15 November. A 2-0 win for Esperance, last year's losing finalists and a perennial powerhouse among North African football clubs, would be enough to see them through to the final. A goal by Ismaili would almost ensure that the Egyptians will reach the final in an attempt to win the tournament a second time. In 1971, Ismaili became the first Egyptian club to hoist the Champions League trophy.
In Ismailia, the game looked headed for a draw even though Ismaili had the upper hand and put the pressure on Esperance from the start.
A number of chances to score were lost in the first half before the Malian Abdel-Rahman Traore netted for Ismaili's first goal in the 29th minute.
Esperance equalised in the 70th minute through Radi Al-Jaidi.
In the second half, Esperance were reduced to 10 men after Zeid Tiriki was ejected for a foul on Ismaili's Traore. In the second leg, Esperance will be without the services of Tiriki who was suspended for two matches.
Spurred on by their renowned vociferous supporters, Hosni Abd-Rabou added Ismaili's second goal by way of a penalty with just four minutes left when Mohamed Abdullah was brought down in the box by Jose Clayton.
Stunned by Ismaili's go-ahead goal, the Tunisians lost their defensive composure, allowing Ismaili's Ghanaian Lanfia Doubate the chance to add an all-important third goal.
"The players did their best and we deserved to win," said Ismaili coach Bouchair, adding that the second leg match will be much easier for his team because of the score.
Al-Ahram Weekly Online : 6 - 12 November 2003 (Issue No. 663)
Located at: http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2003/663/sp3.htm