Zamalek striker Nasser Mansi fights Masry's Mahmoud Hamada for the ball during the goalless draw in the Egyptian Premier League on Thursday. Photo: Zamalek's official X account.
In a tightly contested match, both sides traded attacking opportunities but lacked precision in front of goal, though Zamalek created the more dangerous chances.
Midfielder Mohamed Shehata squandered a golden chance for the Cairo giants in the first half, dribbling past Masry’s defense and goalkeeper Mahmoud Gad after collecting Mostafa Shalaby’s cross from the right, only to fire his volley narrowly wide of the left post.
Zamalek dominated possession but struggled to break down Masry’s resilient backline, with the first half ending goalless despite their sustained pressure.
The White Knights thought they had taken the lead in the 63rd minute when striker Nasser Mansi latched onto Shehata’s through ball, rounded the defense, and slotted home, but the goal was disallowed for a handball following a VAR review.
Masry’s goalkeeper Gad came to his side’s rescue again seven minutes later, producing a superb reflex save to deny Shehata from close range.
Masry’s Tunisian boss Anis Boujelbene introduced attacking reinforcements Hussein Faisal, Attidjikou Samadou, and Karim El Eraki in the 75th minute, while Zamalek’s José Peseiro responded by bringing on Nasser Maher and Seifeddine Jaziri to inject fresh legs.
The visitors nearly snatched a late winner when Salah Mohsen’s header from Abderrahim Deghmoum’s cross forced a straightforward save from Zamalek keeper Mohamed Awad.
As the minutes ticked away, Zamalek intensified their pressure to find a winner, but their efforts were in vain, and the game ended in a goalless draw.
The result keeps Zamalek in third place with 39 points, eight adrift of leaders Pyramids FC and four behind second-placed Ahly, with four matches remaining, while Masry retain fourth place with 35 points.
Zamalek face a tricky away test against fifth-placed National Bank of Egypt (NBE) on Monday, while Masry will host reigning champions Ahly on Thursday.
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