
Ceramica Cleopatra's Mohamed Adel looks frustrated after giving Zamalek the equalizer with an own goal during the 1-1 draw between both sides in the Egyptian Premier League on Thursday. Photo: Zamalek's official X account.
Islam Eissa gave Ceramica the lead in the 13th minute, but Mohamed Adel's own goal leveled the score for Zamalek seven minutes later
Zamalek dominated possession early, aiming for an opener, but Ceramica's counterattacks threatened the White Knights' defense.
However, just four minutes into the first half, Mahmoud Zalaka appeared to give Ceramica the lead from a fast break, but his effort was ruled offside.
Ceramica's breakthrough came in the 13th minute when Eslam Eissa converted Mohamed Adel's precise through ball with a left-footed strike into the top corner.
Zamalek pressed forward in an attempt to equalize, but they struggled to penetrate Ceramica's solid defence. However, the Cairo giants found fortune when Polish winger Konrad Michalak's powerful cross forced Mohamed Adel to divert the ball into his own net in the 20th minute.
Both sides pushed for a winner but lacked clinical finishing.
At halftime, Gross substituted Michalak for Mohamed Shehata to bolster midfield control.
In the second half, Zalaka squandered multiple close-range opportunities to restore Ceramica's lead.
In an attempt to pump fresh blood in their attack, Zamalek introduced Nasser Mansi and Nasser Maher, replacing Sief Jaziri and Mostafa Shalaby in the 64th minute.
Veteran midfielder Abdallah El-Said came close for Zamalek, forcing Ceramica goalkeeper Mohamed Bassam into a superb save from a free kick.
Moments later, El-Said narrowly missed with a shot from the edge of the penalty area.
Ceramica's Zalaka wasted another chance in the 70th minute from a fast break, while Bassam denied Mansi with a brilliant save in the 81st minute.
With this result, Zamalek maintained their second place in the league standings with 10 points, while Ceramica climbed to fourth with 8 points.
In the coming league games, Zamalek will face Talae El-Geish on Tuesday, while Ceramica will play NBE Club two days later.
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