ENPPI claimed a vital 1-0 victory over Ismaily SC on Wednesday afternoon at Arab Contractors Stadium, seizing three points in a tense Egyptian Premier League encounter defined by defensive rigor and a decisive moment of quality.

Both sides entered the match under pressure—ENPPI seeking momentum after a string of inconsistent results, while Ismaily languished near the foot of the table, desperate for a spark to reverse their fortunes. The hosts deployed a 4-2-3-1, with Ahmed Zaki leading the line and the creative Mohamed Sherif supporting, while Ismaily, missing several regulars due to suspension and injuries, leaned on a 4-1-4-1 anchored by Abdallah Gamal in goal.

The first half was a cagey affair. ENPPI controlled the early tempo, probing through Rafik Kabou’s industry on the right and Ali Mahmoud’s runs from deep, but found Ismaily’s defense—marshaled by Hassan Mansour—well-organized and difficult to penetrate. The best chance of the opening stanza fell to ENPPI’s Ahmed Zaki, whose header from a Mohamed Sherif cross was tipped over acrobatically by Gamal.

Ismaily struggled to create clear opportunities, with Abdel Katkout and Eric Traore isolated as ENPPI’s midfield duo of Ahmed El Agouz and Mody Naser broke up attacks and recycled possession efficiently. The visitors’ best moment came in the 39th minute, when Anwar Abdelsalam saw his speculative effort whistle just past the post.

The breakthrough arrived shortly after the interval. In the 53rd minute, ENPPI’s pressure paid dividends: a quick transition saw Mohamed Sherif release Ahmed Zaki in behind the Ismaily back line. Zaki’s low drive was parried by Gamal, but Ali Mahmoud reacted quickest, slotting the rebound into the net to send the home crowd into raptures. The goal injected urgency into Ismaily’s play, but despite increased possession and late forays forward—particularly through substitute Abdelrahman El Dah—the visitors could not break down ENPPI’s disciplined rearguard.

ENPPI nearly doubled their lead on the counter as substitute Ahmed Sabeha’s curling effort clipped the crossbar, but the single goal proved enough. The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought victory that propels ENPPI up the league standings, while Ismaily’s woes continue as they remain mired in the relegation zone.

With the win, ENPPI asserted their home credentials and will look to build on their defensive solidity in upcoming fixtures. For Ismaily, the search for answers grows ever more urgent, with pressure mounting to arrest their slide before the league campaign slips away.