Ismaily went five points clear on top of the Egyptian Premier League table after turning on style to crush Maqassa 4-1 on Saturday.

Defender Mahmoud Metwalli gave Ismaily the lead after 13 minutes, stabbing the ball home on the second attempt after his initial effort was saved by the keeper.

Winger Karim Bambo doubled their advantage five minutes later with a simple tap-in following an assist from in-form Colombian striker Diego Calderon.

Midfielder Mohamed Fathi made it 3-0 in the 37^th minute with a half-volley and Islam Abdel-Naiem completed the rout on 75 minutes after a fine individual effort.

Malagasy forward Paulin Voavy scored a consolation for Maqassa with six minutes remaining.

Ismaily have 34 points from 15 games, five clear of second-placed and defending champions Ahly who have three matches in hand. The Red Devils take on Wadi Degla on Monday.

Nicknamed the Dervishes, Ismaily won the last of their three league titles in 2002 after a nail-biting race with Ahly.

The closest they came to winning the title since then was in 2009 when they lost 1-0 to Ahly in a playoff.

Maqassa extended their winless run to three matches after causing a huge upset by beating Ahly 3-2 in an exciting match earlier this month. They lie eighth in the table on 19 points. 

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