Zamalek’s defence of the Egypt Cup ended in disappointment as they fell 2-1 to Ceramica Cleopatra in the round of 16 at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium on Tuesday.
The holders could not recover from a chaotic night that saw defensive mistakes and missed chances cost them dearly.
Ceramica took the lead in the 18th minute when Zamalek defender Hossam Abdel Maguid accidentally turned the ball into his own net. Zamalek responded just before half-time, with Mohamed Ismail making it 1-1 in first-half stoppage time after a mix-up between Ceramica goalkeeper Mohamed Bassam and defender Ragab Nabil.
The second half brought more drama. Ceramica earned a penalty on the hour mark, but Sadiq Igbola smashed his effort off the left post, letting Zamalek off the hook temporarily. Ten minutes later, however, Ahmed Belhaj produced a powerful strike from outside the box to restore Ceramica’s lead and ultimately seal the upset.
Ceramica Cleopatra now move on to the quarterfinals, where they will face Tala’ea El Gaish, with the winner set to meet Zed in the semi-finals.
For Zamalek, who lifted the trophy last season after beating Pyramids on penalties in the final, this early exit will feel like a major setback in a competition they traditionally target for silverware.
