Zamalek's Midfielder Mostafa Shalaby in action during the match with Pyramids on Friday 26 July, 2024. Photo courtesy of Zamalek Facebook page.
Mostafa Shalaby broke the deadlock for the White Knights in the first half, but Pyramids FC fought back, with South African forward Fagrie Lakay equalizing from the penalty spot in the second half.
Pyramids FC launched an aggressive offensive from the onset of the match in search of an early goal, but were thwarted by Zamalek's sturdy defense.
Ten minutes into the first half, the Blues appeared to score through an own goal by Mohamed Hamdy, which deflected off Zamalek's Ahmed Magdy and into the net, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR review.
Struggling to create significant attacking opportunities, Zamalek relied on counterattacks, a tactic that bore fruit when Motafa Shalaby's cross found Abdallah El-Said, who set up a close-range strike for the left-winger to find the top corner.
Despite Pyramids FC's attempts to equalize, their forwards were repeatedly foiled by their own lack of precision.
In the second half, Pyramids FC's Croatian head coach, Krunoslav Jurčić, made tactical substitutions introducing Ramadan Sobhi, Mahmoud Donga, and Marwan Hamdi, reinvigorating their attack and eventually leading to the equalizer through Fagrie Lakay's penalty kick in the 74th minute.
Zamalek, meanwhile, struggled to capitalize on their counterattacks, coming close to extending their lead but failing to convert their chances.
The White Knights’ Portuguese tactician Jose Gomez brought on Seifeddine Jaziri and Mohamed Ashraf, but Pyramids continued to press.
However, 20-year-old goalkeeper Mahmoud El-Shennawy, who made his senior debut, produced several fine saves to deny the visitors.
With Pyramids FC dropping to second place in the standings with 69 points from 30 games, the league summit was ceded to Ahly, who share the same points but hold the lead on goal difference with three games in hand.
Zamalek's draw sees them rise to fifth place with 46 points from 28 games, as they look to regroup for their upcoming fixtures.
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