The Dervishes, who are currently managed by interim coach Khaled Al-Kammash, were beaten 3-1 by the Saudi side, in a game which witnessed two red cards for the home side.

"We understand why fans are unhappy, but we have been in charge for a few days only, and we are close to hiring a new foreign manager," vice-chairman Khaled Faro told FilGoal.com.

Ismaili were on brink of appointing Tunisian coach Mrad Mahjoub before the Egyptian league's kickoff, but negotiations with the ex-Esperance coach stopped suddenly.