Zamalek s Zizo controls the ball during the game against Pyramids FC (Photo: Ahram)
The White Knights endured a tense week, marked by two losses in the domestic league that led to the dismissal of coach Juan Carlos Osorio.
Interim coach Moatamed Gamal faced a tough challenge in his debut, going up against a high-quality side like Pyramids FC in the Egypt Cup semifinals.
Pyramids FC, widely considered favourites, took an early lead with a goal from Congolese striker Fiston Mayele in the 5th minute.
Despite creating several scoring opportunities that could have extended their lead, Pyramids FC failed to capitalize. On the other hand, Zamalek missed multiple chances to equalize.
Pyramids FC suffered a blow when substitute midfielder Ahmed Tawfiq, who came on in the 60th minute, received two yellow cards within 18 minutes, leaving his team with ten players.
Zamalek seized the opportunity and midfielder Nabil Emad leveled the score in stoppage time, forcing the game into extra time.
In the first period of extra time, Mostafa Fathi restored the lead for Pyramids FC just two minutes in, but out-of-favour striker Samson Akinyoola equalized eight minutes later.
This marked Akinyoola's first goal for Zamalek in over a year, with his previous and only goal for the club dating back to last season's opening game against Smouha.
Mohamed Hamdi put his team ahead once again in the 108th minute, but Zamalek's Nasser Mansi quickly responded, making it 3-3 just four minutes later.
Zamalek goalkeeper Mohamed Awad emerged as the hero of the night, saving two shots from Ahmed Sami and Mostafa Fathi during the penalty shootout, ultimately propelling his team to the final.
In the final, Zamalek will face Ahly; however, the date has not yet been determined.
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