Zamalek trio Omar Gaber, Mohamed Shehata and Nasser Maher celebrate Maher's opening goal during the 3-2 win over NBE Club in the first matchday of the Egyptian Premier League on Friday.
Nasser Maher put Zamalek ahead in the first half, only for Mohamed Helal to level for NBE Club with a second-half penalty. Substitute Nasser Mansi restored Zamalek's lead, but Helal struck again from the spot, setting up a tense finish that saw veteran midfielder El-Said clinch the win in injury time.
Zamalek coach Jose Gomes made two lineup adjustments, bringing in Palestinian striker Omar Faraj and winger Mohamed Hamdi.
The White Knights attacked from the start but struggled to break through NBE Club’s disciplined defense, while NBE threatened on the counter.
Zamalek broke the deadlock in the 38th minute when El-Said’s free-kick found Maher, who struck from close range to put the White Knights ahead.
NBE responded in the second half, earning a penalty that Helal converted to tie the match.
Gomes introduced Mansi and Konrad Michalak to reinvigorate Zamalek's attack, and the change paid off.
Mansi reclaimed the lead for Zamalek with a powerful header from a Maher cross. However, Helal kept NBE Club in contention, scoring his second penalty in the 76th minute to make it 2-2.
In added time, NBE Club substitute Abdallah Sayed conceded a penalty for handball, allowing El-Said to score his 129th Egyptian League goal with a precise shot into the bottom left corner, securing Zamalek’s victory eight minutes past regulation time.
With this win, Zamalek sit third in the standings, while NBE Club are 15th.
Zamalek will face Smouha in their next match on Friday, while NBE Club will host Pharco FC the following day.
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