Zamalek collect dramatic win from jaws of hosts Ghazl El Mahalla on Wednesday evening for El Mahalla Stadium, inside fifth round of Egyptian Premier League.
Ahmed Sherif settle the matter from penalty spot for 86th minute. One goal na all the White Knights need.
The match rarely rise above average, with play bog down for midfield for long spells. The real threat come from hosts, who impose relative control over run of play.
Saidou Kaibou create first dangerous moment, im lash powerful strike from left of box, but ball strike Zamalek defender Mohamed Ismail and change direction.
Zamalek hit back through crosses, most notably well-executed delivery from Abdallah El Said wey reach head of Shikabala Banza, who steer am wide for wasted chance.
Back come Ghazl El Mahalla. Mohamed Ashraf unleash rocket from outside box wey flash just past post, before Abdou Yahya squander best opening of tie with right-footed shot from inside area. Veteran goalkeeper El Mahdi Soliman produce brilliant save to turn am behind for corner.
Another cross find Abdou Yahya amid clear defensive confusion for Zamalek backline. The striker fire hard, Soliman save again to protect im clean sheet, and one Zamalek defender escape certain red card after violent challenge on Mahalla striker, who dey offside position wey spare im opponent punishment.
With match drifting towards goalless draw, Zamalek win penalty for 86th minute. Ahmed Sherif bury am, handing White Knights three precious points from heart of Mahalla.
This dramatic win take Zamalek to 13 points and top of table on goal difference over Al Ahly, off back of four wins and single draw from five matches.
Ghazl El Mahalla, by contrast, stay frozen on one point. That leave them 20th and rock bottom with single draw and four defeats, despite fighting performance and control they show against one of league giants.
