Reinstated Ismaily's CAF Champions League Hopes Dimmed By Late Own Goal

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa- Ismaily of Egypt conceded a late own-goal to be held 1-1 at home by CS Constantine of Algeria Saturday and have hopes of reaching the CAF Champions League quarter-finals virtually dashed.

Emad Hamdy put the ball into his net in the fourth minute of stoppage time after Namibian Benson Shilongo had put Ismaily ahead on 69 minutes behind closed doors in Alexandria.

The ban on spectators was part of the punishment given to Ismaily after they were reinstated in the competition on appeal having been kicked out over crowd trouble.

They were also fined $40,000 (about 35,000 euros) and opponents Club Africain of Tunisia, who had been leading 2-1 when play was stopped on 85 minutes, were awarded a 3-0 victory.

The Egyptians needed maximum points to get back into contention for a top-two finish in Group C, but the self-inflicted wound leaves them without a realistic chance of survival. 

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Ismaily trail joint leaders Constantine and TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo by six points.  

With two of their remaining three fixtures away, against Constantine next weekend and Club Africain, Ismaily will do well to avoid finishing last.

Shilongo volleyed Ismaily into the lead when he took advantage of a slip by Algerian Kheireddine Arroussi to fire past Chamseddine Rahmani.

It was destined to be the match-winner until a low cross bounced off Hamdy and landed in the corner of the net.