Ismaily SC continued their worrying slide in the Egyptian League relegation phase after being held to a frustrating goalless draw by Tala’ea El-Gaish at the Ismaily Stadium.
The result extends Ismaily’s winless run to nine consecutive matches, underlining a crisis that is fast becoming one of the defining stories of their season. The once-dominant “Al-Darawish” have now gone months without victory, last tasting success back in November, and their hopes of survival are hanging by a thread.
Nine Games Without Victory
Ismaily’s struggles are no longer a blip; they are a pattern. Across their last nine matches, the club has managed just three draws and six defeats, a run that has dragged them dangerously close to the drop.
Against Tala’ea El-Gaish, there was urgency and intent, but very little cutting edge. Despite controlling phases of the game and pushing forward in search of a breakthrough, Ismaily failed to seriously test their opponents’ defense. Their attacking play lacked precision, creativity, and composure in key moments.
VAR Drama Denies Both Sides
The match’s biggest talking points came late, as VAR intervened in two crucial decisions that ultimately defined the outcome.
In the dying minutes, Ismaily thought they had found a dramatic winner, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside after a VAR review—sparking frustration among players and fans alike.
Moments later, Tala’ea El-Gaish were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time, a decision that could have completely turned the match. However, VAR once again stepped in, overturning the call after determining that Ismaily defender Ibrahim El-Nagawi had not committed a foul.
Relegation Battle Intensifies
The draw does little to help either side but is particularly damaging for Ismaily. They now sit on 13 points, still trapped near the bottom and six points behind safety, currently occupied by Al Mokawloon Al Arab.
Tala’ea El-Gaish, meanwhile, move to 23 points, maintaining a relatively safer position but still not entirely free from relegation concerns.
Time Running Out for “Al-Darawish”
For Ismaily, the situation is becoming increasingly desperate. With each passing match, the margin for error shrinks, and the pressure continues to mount.
If they are to avoid relegation, a turnaround must come quickly; not just in results, but in performances. Because right now, draws are not enough, and time is no longer on their side.
