Fathi, who has recently earned a spot in Ismaili's starting eleven, prevented the White Knights on more than one occasion from scoring in the Egyptian Premier League clash.

"He was really impressive in the game, the match would have ended differently if it wasn't for his saves," Al-Agouz told a press conference.

"He blocked two clear-cut chances that could have denied us the victory."

Mohamed Sobhi was the Dervishes' regular custodian for the majority of the current season, but he lost his place after committing a series of deadly blunders that cost his team dearly.

When asked about the game, Al-Agouz said: "It was a good, open game. We managed to convert all the opportunities we got in the first half.

"Now we are only concerned about our next couple of games."

Ismaili, who will face Telecom Egypt and Tersana in their remaining matches, are now at the top of the league table with 57 points, three ahead of second-placed Ahli.

The Red Devils have three games to go.

Both teams will face each other in a decisive playoff if they remain tied on equal points till the end of the season.