Ismaili were frustrated after squandering many easy attempts in front of goal but Abd-Rabou's winner earned them a precious victory.

In the stoppage time, Youssef Gamal rounded a defender in the right-flank before sending an inch-perfect cross at the far post to the unmarked Abd-Rabou, who headed home into the back of the net.

The result maintained Ismaili's position on top of the league table on 27 points while Suez Cement lie 10th with 15 points.

Elsewhere, Asyut Petroleum midfielder Mohamed Ali came off the bench to help his side edge Tanta 1-0 and register their first win of the season.

Ali replaced Ashour Al-Taqui in the second-half and scored what proved to be the winner three minutes from time.

Despite the victory, Asyut are still struggling at the bottom of the table with just five points.

In other matches, Ahed Abdul-Maguid struck in the second-half to lead Tersana to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Arab Contractors in an ill-tempered match.

Arab Contractors striker Minusu Buba was sent-off in the 84th minute due to an aggressive tackle off the play before teammate Mohamed Youssef joined him on the sidelines four minutes later for protesting the referee's decisions.

Masri's misery continued after they were handed a 2-0 away defeat to Petrojet.

Osama Mohamed opened the score line one minute before the break and Mohamed Koffi sealed the victory three minutes past the hour mark.