CAIRO: Ismaili failed to capitalize on Zamalek s slip-up against Ahli after being held to a goalless away draw by Aluminum in the Egyptian League on Saturday.
Youssef Gamal headed the visitors in front six minutes after restart but Ismaili couldn t hold onto their lead as Yasser Mostafa equalized for Aluminum in the 65th minute.
Ismaili finished with 10 men on the field after defender Moatassem Salem picked up a second booking for yelling at the referee six minutes from time.
The Dervishes could have comfortably extended their lead over Zamalek, who suffered a 2-0 loss to arch-rivals Ahli in the Cairo derby on Friday.
Ismaili, who lie fourth in the league table, only managed to have a one-point advantage over fifth-placed Zamalek, who played an extra match.
Ismaili compete with the likes of Zamalek, Petrojet and Al-Gaish for a Champions League spot as Ahli virtually guaranteed a fourth successive league title.
League winners and runners-up will represent Egypt in next year s Champions League.
African Cup of Nations best player Hosni Abd-Rabou had the first chance for Ismaili after 20 minutes when his close-range shot was parried by Aluminum keeper Mohamed Khalaf.
Aluminum produced a couple of scares afterwards but Ismaili keeper Mohamed Sobhi was on alert to deny the hosts a possible lead.
Ismaili striker Gamal broke the deadlock in the 51st minute with a well-placed header past Khalaf.
Mostafa drew Aluminum level 14 minutes later when he connected with a corner to slot into the back of the net
