A double from misfiring striker Bassem Morsi helped Zamalek snap a record five-match winless run in the Egyptian Premier League as they beat Talae El-Geish 3-0 on Wednesday to get over the controversy of their stunning withdrawal from their previous match.

Zamalek caused shockwaves in Egyptian football when they failed to show up for a league game against surprise package and second-placed Maqassa last Sunday in protest at the Egyptian Football Association's refusal to postpone the match.

Maqassa were awarded a 2-0 walkover win that kept them seven points behind leaders and favourites Ahly, with Zamalek expected to be deducted three further points as a sanction for declining to play the match.

They put on a fine display against El-Geish though, giving new Portuguese coach Augusto Inacio his first win after his debut ended in a 2-0 defeat by Enppi earlier this month.

However, the Cairo giants, who are fourth with 43 points, are a massive 13 points behind Maqassa, who occupy the last African Champions League berth.

Morsi scored Zamalek's first goal since a 2-0 victory over lowly Nasr lel Taadeen in February when he sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot after they were awarded a penalty on 26 minutes.

Zamalek were given another penalty seven minutes past the hour mark and Morsi stepped up again but his effort was saved by the keeper. However, he headed home on the rebound to double their lead.

Substitute Mostafa Fathi wrapped up the win with five minutes remaining when he broke clear following a deft through pass from Ahmed Refaat to round the keeper and roll the ball into an empty net.

Fathi had a chance to complete a personal double as Zamalek were awarded a third penalty, but he blasted his effort over the bar.

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