Ismaily beat Belouzidad

Egypt's Ismaily SC will go through to semifinals of UAFA Cup Cairo - Hesham Chahine Egypt's Ismaily SC will go through to the semifinals of the UAFA Cup, having knocked out their Algerian guests CR Belouizdad Wednesday evening in a 4-0 penalty shootout. Original time had ended with a1-1 tie in the last-eight return match held at the Air Defence Stadium. The first leg was also tied 1-1 was weeks ago. Ahmed Khairi, Amr al-Sulaya, Sameh Abdelfadeel and Ghana's John Antwi hit the back of the net for Ismaily in the shootout, while Islam Slimani scored Belouzidad's only successful shot. Amar Ammour and Aboubaker Rebih both failed to convert. With manager Sabri el-Miniawi at the helm, Ismaily turned in a mediocre performance. Despite an early lead provided by al-Sulaya's goal within 18 minutes, the coastal city's team shrunk back inexplicably into their zone and Ahmed Ali squandered a golden one-on-one opportunity against Algerian goalie Mohammed Ousserir. The Algerians scored the equaliser two minutes from the end of the first half, with striker Islam Slimani converting a magical through-ball into Mohammed Sobhi's net. El-Miniwai's substitutions failed to bring Ismaily's front line to life despite bringing on play-maker Ahmed Khairy and great activity on the part of duo Ahmed Ali and Antoi. Ismaily keeper Mohammed Sobhi stood out in the second half, sparing his team several potential goals by Slimani, who scored Belouzidad's goals in both legs. Exhaustion left over from Egyptian Premier League appeared to take its toll on Islamily as they failed to catch their fans' infectious enthusiasm. Sobhi reaffirmed his value in the penalty shootout, skillfully blocking Ammour's shot and allowing his team through to the al-Arab club championship's semifinal round.