CAIRO: Ten-man Ismaili produced an entertaining display to defeat ENPPI 3-1 at home and claim all three points in their Egyptian League opener on Saturday.
The hosts dominated the early stages and led through two goals from Abdullah Saied and Mohamed Fadl.
Ivorian striker Vincent Die Foneye pulled one back for ENPPI in the 32nd minute.
Ismaili s hopes of keeping their one-goal advantage were dealt a blow five minutes after the break as newly-signed defender Ibrahim Saied was sent off.
The former Ahli and Zamalek star was dismissed for a second bookable offense.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Ismaili killed off ENPPI s hopes when substitute Mostafa Karim scored five minutes from time.
Ismaili, who last won the Egyptian League title in 2002, will be looking to compete with Ahli and Zamalek for the top spot.
Talented midfielder Abdullah Saied put the hosts ahead in the 19th minute through a fortunate strike.
His cross-come-shot free kick found its way past ENPPI keeper Mohamed Amer.
Egypt striker Fadl doubled Ismaili s advantage in the 26th minute.
He latched onto Mohamed Hommos pass inside the area, shrugged off a challenge from his marker to side-foot the ball into the roof of the net.
Die Foneye narrowed the gap in the 32nd minute when he rose at the far post to head home Ahmed Al-Muhammadi s pinpoint cross.
ENPPI pushed forward in the second period, leaving huge gaps in their backline, which was repeatedly exposed by Ismaili s counter attacks.
Iraqi striker Karim rounded off a neat counter attack in the 85th minute to wrap up the win.
