Petrojet held by brave Contractors

الأحد، 14 سبتمبر 2008 - 00:20

كتب : Hatem Maher

Petrojet wasted an opportunity to go two points clear on top of the Egyptian League table after being held to a 1-1 home draw by Arab Contractors on Saturday.

Mokhtar Mokhtar's men took the lead midway through the first half, thanks to a superb strike from last season's top scorer Alaa Ibrahim.

However, they failed to hold onto their lead after leaving huge gaps at the back.

Petrojet were made to pay for their slack defending when Ghanaian midfielder Samuel Kyere notched home with 13 minutes remaining.

Despite the draw, Petrojet became on top of the league table with 10 points.

They lead the table due to their better goal difference than Ismaili, who have the same amount of points. Contractors lie eighth with six points.

Superb Opener

Petrojet were missing influential striker Zeka Goory, who joined UAE club Al-Wasl without the club's consent.

The Ivorian striker scored four goals in three matches prior to his abrupt departure.

Coach Mokhtar fielded Ibrahim as a lone striker, supported by Walid Soliman and Osama Mohamed down the flanks.

Former Ahli man Ibrahim deservedly put Petrojet ahead in the 21st minute when he chested Osama's pinpoint cross at the far post before firing a superb low shot into the bottom corner.

Osama was once again the architect of Petrojet's goal. The impressive left-back provided numerous assists for his teammates this season.

However, despite the scarcity of full-backs in Egypt, national team coach Hassan Shehata is yet to call him up to the Pharaohs' squad.

Soliman should have extended the gap in the 34th minute when he cut inside his marker but he blasted poorly wide from seven yards.

Contractors rallied in the second half to expose Petrojet's shaky defense more than once.

Two free headers from striking duo Reda Al-Weeshi and Rami Rabie narrowly missed the target.

Their efforts proved fruitful when the unmarked Kyere connected with an inch-perfect cross at the far post to slot home past Petrojet keeper Ahmed Fawzi.

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