Zamalek striker Nasser Mansi watches the ball ahead of scoring his side's first goal in the 2-2 draw against Ceramica Cleopatra on Friday. Photo: Zamalek's official X account.
The White Knights took the lead in the 14th minute through forward Nassr Mansi, who capitalised on a goalkeeping error. Mansi pressured Ceramica Cleopatra goalkeeper Mohamed Bassam as he attempted to dribble past the forward, intercepted the ball, and slotted it into the empty net.
This goal marks Mansi’s 11th of the season, placing him level with Ahly’s midfielder Emam Ashour at the top of the league’s scoring chart.
Ceramica dominated possession after the opener but struggled to break down Zamalek’s compact defence, while the visitors found it difficult to carve out chances against their opponents’ disciplined backline.
Despite Zamalek’s early advantage, Ceramica dominated possession and sought to equalize, but their players struggled to create clear-cut scoring opportunities.
Meanwhile, Zamalek found it challenging to penetrate Ceramica’s solid and well-organized defense.
After the break, Ceramica intensified their efforts to level the score, but their attacking waves continued to falter in front of Zamalek’s defense. However, in the 64th minute, Ceramica finally found the equalizer. Following a series of precise short passes, Islam Eissa scored from close range after connecting with a well-placed cross.
Zamalek responded just five minutes later when second-half substitute Seifeddine Jaziri capitalized on a pass from midfielder Nabil Emad. Jaziri skillfully dribbled past Ceramica’s defense, nutmegging goalkeeper Bassam to restore his side’s lead.
The drama continued as Ceramica managed to level the score again four minutes into injury time, as second-half substitute Ahmed Belhadji headed in a cross from Mohamed Shokry.
Both sides pushed for a late winner in a frenetic finale but lacked the composure to convert further chances.
With this result, Zamalek remain in third place in the league standings with 41 points, while Ceramica hold onto sixth spot with 31 points.
El-Ramady’s men will face a tough test against Pyramids FC on Tuesday, while Ceramica host reigning champions Ahly on the same day.
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