Photo courtesy of Zamalek Facebook page.
Hossam Abdelmaguid, 21', and Salah Mohsen, 75', both converted penalties for Zamalek and Masry respectively before Palestinian striker Oday El Dabbagh sealed a 2-1 victory for the Whites with a 75th-minute strike.
Zamalek now lead the standings with eight points, one ahead of second-placed Al Masry. South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs sit third with seven points, while Zambia’s Zesco United remain bottom without a point.
Masry’s Abderrahim Deghmoum missed two early opportunities as the Zamalek defense held firm.
Zamalek midfielder Mohamed Ismaily forced a sharp save from goalkeeper Mohamed Hamdy shortly after.
The deadlock was broken in the 21st minute when Zamalek were awarded a penalty after defender Baher El-Mohammadi fouled Chico Banza in the area. Hossam Abdelmaguid converted from the spot to give the Whites the lead.
Masry responded before the interval, winning their own penalty in the 34th minute. Salah Mohsen made no mistake, sending the teams into the dressing rooms level at 1-1.
Zamalek coach Motamed Gamal introduced Nabil Emad and Ahmed Abdelhamid at halftime to bolster the attack.
While Banza had an effort ruled out for offside, the pressure eventually told in the 75th minute.
Oday El Dabbagh pounced on a deflected ball inside the box and fired home the winner to secure all three points.
Zamalek travel to face Zesco United in the fifth round on Sunday, while Al Masry faceoff Kaizer Chiefs on the same day.
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