Also it's considered as an Egyptian National Club, where they helped the famous local tour of duty play for the benefit of the homeland against the occupying armies.

The club's nickname The Brazilians, is a reference to their uniforms, which echo those of the Brazil national team, and similar style of play.

That event, the first for an Egyptian team, was so monumental at the time that in many ways it remains a legendary victory in the minds of a whole generation.

In 1921, this dream became reality when the Nahda Sporting Club (now Ismaily) was founded thanks to generous donations and hard work.

Inside the club's brick wall, there existed only a field of sand, one changing room, and a small hut.

Of course, the residents of Ismailia were not satisfied; the hut was removed and replaced by a small building in 1931, and grass was planted on the pitch.

Here is a list of the most generous contributors: The first to game take place in the new pitch was between Ismaily and the English Army Team (Canal).

Ismaily's lineup was: Yango, Sayed Abu Greisha, Salem Salem, Ali Hegazy, Anoos El Kebir, Mohamed Abdel Salam, Aly Lafy, Ahmed Mansour, Ibrahim Hablos, Sayed Charley, Awad Abdel Rahman.

Salah Abu Greisha Like every other League title Ismaily won, a long and hard battle was fought against Ahly, throughout the season.

Ismaily secured the title however, after defeating Ahly by Ali Abu Greisha's penalty-spot goal, two weeks before the end of the season.

In the ninth tournament, Ismaily made it to the quarter-finals but was then forced to withdraw due to the October war.

In the CAF Cup a few years later, Ismaily achieved second place, after Shabibat Al Kaba'il of Algeria after tying 1–1 at home and 0–0 away.

[5] Ismaily fans had experienced the League and the African Championship titles, so it was natural to expect a Cup victory soon.

In the quarter-finals, Ismaily faced Zamalek in Ismailia Stadium and barely managed a 4–3 victory, with the last goal being scored in extra time.

Earlier that season, Ahly had crushed Ismaily 6–0 at home, which had resulted in the replacement of the team's board of directors.

The match also witnessed the return of star defender Hamza El Gamal, who had been playing in Kuwait for one year.

Surprisingly, Ismaily defeated Ahly, by Ahmed Fekry's famous goal: a beautiful shot from outside the 18-yard box.

Ismaily played an excellent season beginning the League's second half, and ended up second, narrowing the gap between them and Ahly to six points.

Ismaily was fired up to win the Cup; Ahly wanted to avenge a 4–3 loss in the same stadium a few months prior to this game.

Mohsen Saleh managed the team, and was assisted by Mahmoud Gaber and Besheer Abdel Samad.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.

In particular, Ibrahim Osman held the post of Vice President and was given the responsibility of running the club's football team and youth school.

Most of this team's players ended up either abroad or at the two local rivals (Ahly/Zamalek), sometimes after an expired contract and sometimes after a direct sale.

The club also fell victim to massive financial problems, prompting the resignation of the Osman family.