Tarek Yehia's team leapfrogged the Dervishes with the massive win, as both teams are tied on 37 points, but Production have a better goal-difference.

Ahmed Thabet 'Sarookh' scored the all-important goal in Cairo, handing Ismaili their second defeat in a row.

Police Union have also made good progress as they moved to sixth place with a 2-0 victory over Ittihad, courtesy of goals from Mohamed Nagib and Minusu Bouba.

Police took Gaish's place after the latter were surprisingly beaten 2-1 at home by strugglers Gouna, who came out of the relegation zone with the crucial win.

Ismaili Youssef's side won by goals from Sherif Reda and Arafa Al-Sayed to get their 27th point and move to 12th.

Harras Hodoud sent Arab Contractors to the bottom three with a 1-0 victory, thanks to a goal by Mohamed Mekki.

Asyut win at home

Relegation candidates Asyut Petroleum claimed their first home victory in 24 games, curiously beating close rivals Mansoura 3-2 in Asyut.

Mohamed Samir, Mohamed Abdullah and Fathi Mabrouk scored for Asyut, while Abdul-Aziz Hassan and Wali Mowafi were on target for Mansoura.

Asyut climb from bottom place to become 15th on 16 points, while Mansoura slipped to 16th place on 14.