Zamalek easily defeated Harass El-Hodoud 2-0 in a league game on Monday as a result of two second-half goals from defender Omr Gaber and substitute striker Ahmed Ali.

Monday's win cemented Zamalek's position at the top of the League table with 57 points, seven ahead second-placed ENPPI who will host the league's bottom side Damanhour on Tuesday.

It was Zamalek's third consecutive win under the guidance of Portuguese coach Jusualdo Ferreirasince his arrival to the club last January.

The League leaders started the game in a slow rhythm before dominating the game without facing any real threat.

Lively winger Moustafa Fathi, who made his first start since Ferreira's arrival, was the star of the first half with his exerted effort and nice passes, but strikers Khaled Kamar and Bassem Morsi failed to convert Fathi's efforts into goals.

Zamalek intensified their offensive in the second half and created many goal-scoring opportunities, especially after the entrance of forward Ahmed Eid Abdel-Malek instead of striker Khaled Kamar, who failed to make his presence felt during the first 45 minutes.

Fullback Omar Gaber opened the scoring 20 minutes after the break as a result of a nice pass from Moustafa Fathi.

Zamalek were close to adding the second several times but Bassem Morsy, Ahmed Eid and Ahmed Ali failed to find the net.

Ahmed Ali secured Zamalek's win with another goal seven minutes from full time when he benefited from a defensive lapse.

This win was very important for Zamalek as it boosted the moral of the team's playersahead of their upcoming crucial clash against FUS of Morocco. It will be the team's second-leg match in the Confederation Cup's round of 16, set to be played next Sunday in Morocco, where they need to have a positive result to remain in the continental competition.

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