Once a symbol of pride in Egyptian football, Ismaily SC now stares down the barrel of relegation after 67 years in the top flight.
The club’s 2-1 home loss to Modern Sport in the seventh round of the relegation group has plunged them into last place with just 19 points, three behind Modern Sport with two games left.
Goal difference adds to their troubles. Ismaily stands at -3, while Modern Sport holds a +4 advantage. To survive, Ismaily must beat both El Gouna and Ghazl El Mahalla and hope Modern Sport lose to Al Ittihad Alexandria and Tala’ea El Gaish.
Once the first Arab club to lift the CAF Champions League trophy in 1969, Ismaily’s legacy now decreases due to years of administrative failure, growing debts, a registration ban since January 2024, and the recent passing of coach Ihab Galal.
Their last notable league finish was second place in 2017–2018 under Sebastien Desabre.
Now, supporters hope for a lifeline as the Clubs Association and the Egyptian FA meet in the coming days to decide whether relegation will even stand this season.
