Zamalek's midfielder Abdallah El Said in action during the match with Petrojet. Al-Ahram.
Petrojet's Mostafa El-Gamal initially put his team in the lead during injury time with a brilliant solo effort, but defender Ahmed Bahbah inadvertently scored an own goal in the same minute, leveling the score.
On his return to Egypt, Jose Peseiro will settle for a point that leaves Zamalek in the third place with 27 points, trailing league leaders Pyramids FC by three points and archrivals Ahly by two points who are yet to play this week.
Missing several key players, Peseiro had to reschuffle his team as he made four changes from the previous game including Mohamed Atef who made his second appearance of the season.
Petrojet created the first danger when an unmarked Hany Rashad headed a corner over the bar from inside the six yards.
In the 24th minute, Zamalek's right-back Omar Gaber came close to taking the lead with a shot from inside the box, but Petrojet's defender Hady Riyad blocked the attempt. A minute later, a penalty kick awarded to Zamalek was overturned by VAR.
Petrojet missed a clear opportunity in the 36th minute when Ismaila Bamba failed to convert a pass into an empty net from close range.
After the break, Zamalek improved their game and Ahmed "Zizo" El Sayed squandered two close chances from inside the box.
Nabil 'Dunga' Emad's powerful header hit the crossbar 15 minutes before the final whistle and the fate of the game seemed sealed.
But it was far from over as all the entertainment came near the end.
Petrojet's El-Gamal showcased skill, skipping past two defenders before scoring at the far post. However, in the same minute, defender Bahbah unintentionally redirected a long pass into his own net, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
Not the result that Peseiro wanted but he does not have the luxury of time as his next challenge will be the Cairo grand derby against Ahly on Saturday.
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