Zamalek winger Mostafa Shalaby scores his side's first goal during the 2-0 victory over Ismaily on the 12th matchday of the Egyptian Premier League on Friday. Photo: Zamalek's official X account.
Winger Mostafa Shalaby broke the deadlock in the first half, while midfielder Nabil Emad “Dunga” struck a stunning stoppage-time goal to seal the three points for the Cairo giants.
The result keeps third-placed Zamalek within striking distance of the top, trailing defending champions Ahly by three points and leaders Pyramids FC by four. Meanwhile, Ismaily remain 14th with 12 points, locked in a relegation scrap.
Zamalek’s Swiss manager Christian Gross faced a selection crisis ahead of the clash, with key players including Abdallah El-Said, Mahmoud “El-Wensh” Hamdi, Hamza Mathlouthi Omar Gaber and Nasser Mansi sidelined due to injuries and suspensions.
The veteran coach turned to recent signings Ahmed Hossam and Mahmoud Gehad to plug gaps in his depleted squad.
Despite early pressure from the hosts, Zamalek struggled to test Ismaily’s goalkeeper until the 18th minute, when Shalaby capitalized on a defensive error by Mohamed Nasr.
The winger pounced on a pinpoint cross from rising star Mohamed El-Sayed, slotting home from close range.
Ismaily, based in the coastal city of Ismailia, dominated possession after the opener but lacked cutting edge in the final third, failing to trouble Zamalek’s Mohamed Awad.
The visitors thought they had doubled their lead five minutes before halftime when Tunisian striker Seifeddine Jaziri tapped in, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
A reinvigorated Ismaily emerged after the break, controlling the tempo as Zamalek’s attack grew stagnant.
Gross attempted to spark life into his side by introducing substitutes Nasser Maher and Hossam Ashraf for El-Sayed and Jaziri, but the changes yielded little improvement.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 85th minute when substitute Maher was shown a straight red card for violent conduct, forcing Zamalek to navigate the finale with 10 men.
Ismaily piled forward in search of an equalizer but squandered multiple chances, including a late penalty appeal when Emad appeared to handle the ball in the box. Their claim was turned down sparking fury among Ismaily’s bench and players, who briefly threatened to walk off in protest.
Zamalek capitalized on the reprieve deep into added time, as Emad unleashed a thunderous right-footed strike from 25 yards to clinch the win.
Zamalek will aim to build momentum when they host Pharco FC on Tuesday, while Ismaily face a crucial showdown against Gouna the following day.
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