Zamalek slumped to their third defeat this season (Photo: Ahram)
Zamalek's poor results in the Egyptian League have continued with the Cairo giants slumped to their third defeat this season on Thursday when they lost to Ismaily 1-0 at Cairo stadium.
A goal from Ismaily's Colombian striker Diego Calderon on the hour-mark gave the visitors a precious win which helped them cement their position on the top of the league table with 30 points, five ahead second placed Ahly who have three matches on their hands.
On the other hand Zamalek fell to the fifth place with 19 points from 12 games.
Thursday's defeat made the future of Coach Nebojsa Jovovic uncertain as the club's management expressed their displeasure over the team's performance under his guidance.
Zamalek's last win in the League date on the 17 th of the last month when they defeated bottom side El-Nasr 2-1. After this win they lost to Maqasaa 3-1 before being held to a 1-1 draw by minnows Ragaa, earlier this month.
The first half was calm as both sides failed to make a real threat during the first 40 minutes before Ismaily's fullback Baha Magdy was close on opening the scoring for the Dervishes one minute before the break but his rocketing shot from outside was denied by Zamalek's keeper Ahmed El-Shennawy with an heroic save.
Zamalek coach tried to intensify his offense by introducing winger Mohamed El-Shamy at the expense of Abdallah Gomaa but El-Shamy failed to make his presence felt.
On the hour-mark Colombian striker Diego Calderon scored the winner from a nice volley after receiving a rebounded ball from Zamalek's defender Moayad Ajad.
The White Knights failed to react as their strikers were easily contained by Ismaily's organized defense.
Ismaily's Calderon was sent-off with five minutes remaining after receiving his second yellow card during the game.
With ten players Ismaily managed to keep their advantage against a toothless Zamalek side.
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