Despite playing against ten men for most of the clash, the Dervishes could only secure a hard-fought 3-2 win over Masri in the game's dying seconds.

"We played six games in less than three weeks and obviously my players are affected by both mental and physical fatigue," Al-Agouz said after the game.

After an Abdul-Hamid Sami blunder, Ismaili ended the first-half with a one-goal deficit, before Mohab Saied's brace and a Mohamed Fadl goal handed them the crucial win.

"We had many mis-passes and were not focused enough in the first-half. However, we improved a lot in the second," the former Ismaili star added.

"Sami is still a young player and he needs more time to cope with our packed schedule."

From his side, Masri coach Bertalan Bicskei said that Samir Ali's early dismissal was a key factor in losing the Egyptian Premier League clash.

The Hungarian saluted his players for their spirit though, adding his confidence that Masri can stay safe from relegation this season.

"Despite playing with a man down we still embarrassed Ismaili," Bicskei said.

"We still have six games to go and I'm positive we can collect enough points to stay in the Premier League."