Zamalek defeated newcomers Aswan 2-0 at Cairo stadium to end a three-match winless streak in the Egyptian league on Thursday.

Striker Mostafa Mohamed opened the scoring in the 42nd minute, while winger Ahmed "Zizo" El-Sayed doubled the lead two minutes after the hour-mark.

Zamalek had to finish the game with only ten men on the pitch as international midfielder Tarek Hamed received his marching orders in the 58th minute.

The result lifts the Whites to the fourth place with 18 points, nine points behind leaders Ahly who have one match in hand.

The hosts controlled the game in terms of possession but failed to break through Aswan's compact defense.

The first real threat came from Aswan as a poor clearance from Zamalek's defender Mahmoud Hamdi put Aswan striker Mohamed El-Sabahi in a one-on-one with keeper Mohamed Abou Gabal who made a brilliant save to deny him.

Five minutes later, striker Mostafa Mohamed escaped his marker to receive a nice through ball from Tarek Hamed to and lob Mosaad Awad, Aswan's advanced keeper.

After the interval the game turned nervy as the referee waved his cards seven times including a red card for Hamed in the 58th minute.

Mahmoud Alaa wasted a golden opportunity to double Zamalek's lead as his penalty kick, following a foul on Youssef Obama in the box, was blocked by the keeper.

Two minutes later Zizo made a darting solo run on the left flank before cutting inside on his right foot and finish with a calm shot at the far post.

Aswan pressed forward and came close from scoring as Mahmoud El-Fil headed home from inside the box only to be denied by defender Mohamed Abdel-Shafi. 

The result leaves them second from bottom with 7 points and a lot of doubts surrounding the futur of coach Magdi Abdel-Ati.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)