CAIRO: Ismaili were overwhelmed by the warm reception they were given in Algeria by their Champions League opponents JS Kabylie on Tuesday.
"We got a royal reception," Ismaili’s contigent head Atef Ziad told FilGoal.com.
"Numerous Algerian officials were there to receive us at the airport while Kabylie celebrated our arrival all the way to Tizi Ouzou.
"The city was decorated by placards and banners that read welcome notes. There was also some folk dance, similar to that Kabylie enjoyed in Ismailia."
Conversely, Egyptian champions Ahly had suffered from a hostile atmosphere when they traveled to Algeria last month.
The Red Devils had their bus stoned before and after their 1-0 Champions League loss at Kabylie, not to mention their infamous on-pitch row with stewards and some players from the host team.
Ismaili, who lie at the bottom of Group B with 3 points, lost 1-0 at home to Kabylie in their first Champions League group stage encounter in July.
The Dervishes are in dire need to beat group leaders Kabylie to revive their qualification hopes.
Mark Wotte’s side will host their last group stage match against second-placed Ahly.
