Pyramids FC winger Ibrahim Adel controls the ball while Zamalek duo Ahmed Zizo and Mohamed Shehata watch him during his side's 3-0 win over the White Knights on Friday. Photo: Pyramids FC's official X account.
Three second-half goals from Fiston Mayele, Mostafa Fathi, and Ibrahim Adel sealed the win for Pyramids FC, who extended their unbeaten run and tightened their grip on the summit.
Zamalek coach Christian Gross fielded the same lineup that thrashed Gouna 4-1 on Monday, while Pyramids FC missed Ahmed El-Shenawy, Marwan Hamdi, Karim Hafez, and Ahmed Tawfik due to suspension.
Both sides began on the front foot, seeking an early breakthrough, but neither managed to create clear-cut chances in the first half.
Zamalek came close in the 31st minute when winger Mostafa Shalaby latched onto Nabil Emad’s pass, only for Pyramids FC goalkeeper Sherif Ekramy to pull off a brilliant double save.
Tunisian striker Seifeddine Jaziri pounced on the rebound, but Ekramy blocked his left-footed shot from close range.
A minute before halftime, Zamalek were forced into an early substitution, with Mohamed El-Sayed replacing injured midfielder Abdallah El-Said.
Pyramids FC’s Croatian coach, Krunoslav Jurcic, introduced Ramadan Sobhi for Ahmed Atef in midfield, which proved instrumental.
The breakthrough came in the 58th minute when Congolese striker Fiston Mayele controlled a long pass from defender Mohamed Chibi on the right flank. He dribbled past Zamalek defender Mahmoud ‘El-Wensh’ Hamdi before firing a left-footed shot from a tight angle into the net.
Zamalek pushed forward for an equalizer but struggled to break down Pyramids FC’s defence.
Six minutes later, Mostafa Fathi doubled the lead for Pyramids FC after receiving a pinpoint pass from Ibrahim Adel, slotting the ball past keeper Mohamed Awaad with his left foot.
In the 70th minute, Ibrahim Adel capped his impressive display with a well-taken goal. He met Ramadan Sobhi’s cross from the right flank and slotted the ball home with his right foot.
Gross responded with a triple substitution, bringing on Nasser Mansi, Mohamed Hamdi, and Mahmoud Bentayg for Seifeddine Jaziri, Mohamed Shehata, and Ahmed Fatouh.
Zamalek had a late chance when El-Wensh connected with Ahmed Mahmoud's cross, but his header sailed over the bar.
Five minutes before regulation, Zamalek starlet Mohamed El-Sayed struck a powerful shot from outside the box, only to see it crash against the woodwork.
This victory is only Pyramids FC’s second win over Zamalek in their previous 16 league meetings since 2019.
The victory keeps Pyramids FC at the top of the table with 24 points, while Zamalek drop to third behind defending champions Ahly, who climb to second on goal difference.
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