Ahli stumble gives Ismaili hope

Ismaili chairman Nasr Aboul-Hassan believes that his side's Champions League chances were revived with Ahli's 1-1 draw against group leaders JS Kabylie.

The disappointing result in Cairo sent Kabylie to the semis while leaving Egypt's representatives Ahli and Ismaili to battle it out with Nigeria's Heartland for the remaining ticket.

Despite a 2-1 defeat by the Nigerians in Owerri, rock bottom Ismaili remain hopeful of getting maximum points from their next two games.

"Ahli's draw opened a new door for us in the competition, although I admit that our chances are still slim," chairman Aboul-Hassan told FilGoal.com.

"We have to make good use of the chance and work hard after our return to the race."

Ismaili visit Kabylie in Tizi Ouzou before hosting Egyptian Premier League bitter rivals Ahli in the group finale next month.