In-form striker Nasser Mansi opened the scoring early, extending his impressive run, before winger Mostafa Shalaby doubled the score five minutes before the final whistle.

Zamalek took the lead just two minutes into the game after a costly error by Smouha goalkeeper El-Hani Soliman whose attempted dribble was intercepted by Mansi who slotted the ball into the net.

Despite the early lead, Zamalek struggled to create significant scoring opportunities, as Smouha’s solid midfield stifled their attacks.

Smouha pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but Zamalek’s resolute defense and the brilliance of goalkeeper Mohamed Awaad kept them at bay.

Awaad was the hero of the first half, producing several stunning saves to deny Smouha’s attackers.

In the 40th minute, Smouha’s Nigerian winger Samuel Amadi unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from outside the box, but Awaad’s right post came to Zamalek’s rescue.

In the second half, Smouha intensified their efforts to level the score, but Zamalek’s defense held firm.

With five minutes remaining, out-of-form winger Mostafa Shalaby doubled the lead, pouncing on a header from defender Hamza Mathlouthi following a corner, sealing the 2-0 victory with a close-range strike.

Smouha’s coach Ahmed Sami introduced fresh legs in the form of Ahmed Khaled, Ashraf Magdy, and Islam Attia, but they failed to make a significant impact.

Following Friday's win, Zamalek climbed to second place with six points, trailing arch-rivals Ahly on goal difference, while Smouha dropped to fifth with three points.

Zamalek’s next match is against Masry on 23 November, while Smouha will visit Talae El-Geish on the same day.

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