File photo of Zamalek against Masry (Photo: Ahram)
Zamalek fought back from one goal down to beat a resilient Masry side 2-1 in the Egyptian league, thanks to second-half strikes from newly-signed duo Mohamed Ashraf and Ahmed Madbouli.
The visitors went behind following an Islam Abo-Selima header in the 15th minute, before a fine strike from Ashraf and an exquisite curler from Madbouli on 52 and 67 minutes respectively sealed Zamalek’s second win on the trot.
Zamalek manager Nibojsa Jovovic started with the same starting XI from last week’s 3-0 win against Dakhleya, a line-up that featured eight summer-signings.
Hossam Hassan’s men entered the game on top of the league table with two wins out of two, with Zamalek now one point ahead of the Port-Said club with seven points from three games.
Zamalek comeback
Zamalek were relatively the better side in the opening stages but poor marking inside the area allowed Abou-Selima to head at the far post following a corner kick from the left.
The Whites seemed not really capable of coping with Masry’s pressure in midfield, with the Cairo side resorting to useless long balls during much of the first half.
They regrouped, however, after the break, piling up the pressure on Masry as Zamalek searched for the equalizer, which indeed came seven minutes after the restart.
A loose ball was controlled by midfielder Ashraf on the edge of the area before his powerful strike beat the keeper at the near post to level the scoring.
Ex-Zamalek forward Alaa Ali, who caused Syrian full-back Moayad Ajan serious problems down the flank, could have scored against his former club following a blunder from center-back Mohamed Magdi if it wasn’t for keeper Ahmed El-Shennawi.
Then came the beautiful curling effort from outside the area from forward Madbouli that eventually proved the winner after substitute Bassem Morsi did well feeding the Zamalek forward before taking aim towards goal.
Morsi then came himself close to scoring in the 75th minute, capitalizing on space in Masry’s heart of defense to see a volley narrowly miss the target.
Zamalek retreated after their second goal in attempt to close down spaces at the back and hit Masry on the break, with their opponents now regaining control.
Despite allowed to dictate play, Masry failed to pose real threat on goal, as Zamalek emerged 2-1 winners.
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