Zamalek's Zizo celebrates the win with team's skipper Shikaballa (Photo: Al-Ahram)
After being sidelined for three weeks due to an ankle injury sustained against Ahly in the Egypt Cup final, the classy winger returned to action in the 37th minute, replacing the injured forward Youssef Ibrahim.
Just a minute after joining the field, Zizo played a crucial role in setting up the equalizer for Tunisian defender Hamza Mathlouthi in the dying minutes of the first half.
He then secured the win for his side by converting a late penalty two minutes from time, sealing a classic victory over Modern Future FC.
Zamalek has a perfect record against Modern Future FC, having secured five wins against them since their first encounter in the domestic league two years ago.
Zizo has been the hero in these five games, contributing five out of the 11 goals scored by Zamalek during these encounters.
The hosts started the game strongly, with Mohamed Farouk's header hitting the crossbar in the 3rd minute.
However, Zamalek appeared disjointed during the first half and struggled to threaten their opponents.
Modern Future FC took the lead in the 37th minute through Ali Yasser, who is on loan from Zamalek.
Nevertheless, Tunisian defender Hamza Mathlouthi met a pinpoint cross from Zizo with a well-executed header just before the halftime whistle, leveling the score.
Zamalek had a stroke of luck in the 70th minute when Ahmed Atef's close-range shot was denied by the bar, preventing Modern Future FC from scoring a second goal.
In the closing moments, Mohamed Rabia fouled Tunisian international striker Seif Jaziri inside the area, resulting in a penalty for Zamalek.
Zizo calmly converted the penalty, securing a precious win for his side.
The second leg of the quarterfinal will also take place at Cairo Stadium next Sunday.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: