File photo: Zamalek's Mahmoud Abdulmniem celebrates (AFP)
Zamalek came from behind to beat bottom side Haras El-Hodoud 2-1 on Monday at Petro Sport stadium.
Haras El-Hodoud's Nigerian striker Edu Moses stunned the hosts in the 18th minute while Mahmoud Alaa equalised in the 83rd minute from the spot then Mahmoud Kahraba scores in injury time to seal a dramatic comeback.
Zamalek started the game on style with Congolese striker Kabongo Kasongo and Youssef 'Obama' Ibrahim squandering two clear goal-scoring opportunities.
But against the run of play Moses was set up in the area by a neat pass by Ahmed el-Sheikh to fire at the near post.
Zamalek piled more pressure and Kasongo could leveled the score just minutes later but his close range header missed the target from close range.
El-Hodoud midfielder Ahmed El-Sheikh came close from doubling the lead but his long-range free kick crashed off the bar.
Zamalek dominated the game in terms of possession but failed to carve spaces against a compact and organised defense.
Coach Christian Gross introduced wingers Mohamed Antar and Abdallah Gomaa instead of Ibrahim Hassan and Ahmed Abou El-Fotouh to boost his attacking prowess.
The Whites extended their domination on the game but had to wait until the 83rd minute to level the score when the referee whistled a controversial penalty for the White Knights after El-Hodoud defender Ahmed El-Shebini was adjudged to have blocked the ball with his hand inside the area.
Defender Mahmoud Alaa converted the penalty to net his 8th goal of the season and go clear on top of the scorers' chart.
Deep in injury time, Zamalek was once again saved by the bar as Hamam Ashour 's powerful shot from inside the box was denied.
But that was not their least misfortune as the Whites launched a quick counter and Antar found Kahraba unmarked in the area firing home from point-blank.
The White Knights are now on to top of the league table with 23 points, four points ahead of second-placed Pyramids.
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