Defending champions Zamalek have been knocked out of the Egyptian Cup after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Ceramica Cleopatra in their round of 16 encounter on Tuesday at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium.
Ceramica Cleopatra made a bright start to the contest and took the lead in the 18th minute following an unfortunate own goal by Zamalek defender Hossam Abdel-Maguid.
The Whites responded before the break, drawing level in first-half stoppage time when Mohamed Ismail capitalised on a mix-up between Ceramica goalkeeper Mohamed Bassam and defender Ragab Nabil.
The second half produced plenty of drama as Ceramica were handed a golden chance to go ahead from the penalty spot in the 60th minute, but Sadiq Igola struck the post to keep Zamalek in the game.
That miss proved not to be costly, however, as Ceramica restored their advantage ten minutes later through Ahmed Belhadj, who unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box to seal the win.
The result brings an early end to Zamalek’s title defence, just months after they lifted the trophy by defeating Pyramids on penalties in last season’s final.
Ceramica Cleopatra, meanwhile, progress to the quarter-finals where they will face Tala’ea El-Gaish, with a place in the semi-finals against Zed at stake.
