Zamalek substitutes make the difference in three-goal win over National Bank of Egypt

Zamalek’s substitutes scored all three goals as they beat National Bank of Egypt 3-0 at Cairo Stadium to move up to second place, temporarily, after two rounds of the league.

Chico Banza opened the scoring shortly after half-time before Hossam Ashraf doubled Zamalek’s advantage late in the match. Ahmed Abdel Rahim “Isho” completed the victory with a third goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

The result gives Zamalek four points from their opening two fixtures, following one draw and one win. National Bank of Egypt remain without a point and sit at the bottom of the table after two matches.

Soliman keeps another clean sheet

Zamalek goalkeeper Mehdi Soliman played a central role in the victory, preserving his clean sheet for the second consecutive league game.

Soliman made three important saves against National Bank of Egypt, having produced the same number of stops in the opening-round match against Al Ittihad Alexandria. His performance earned him the player of the match award.

National Bank of Egypt created several opportunities after falling behind, but Soliman denied Ahmed Rayan and Ahmed Madbouli before the final two Zamalek goals settled the contest.

Banza makes an immediate impact

Banza’s opener was his sixth goal contribution for Zamalek since joining the club at the beginning of last season, and his first goal of the current campaign.

The forward made 33 appearances last season, scoring three goals and providing two assists. In his two league appearances this season, both as a substitute, he has scored once.

Zamalek had failed to beat National Bank of Egypt in their previous two meetings. The only league meeting between the sides last season ended 1-1 in October 2025, while their second-round fixture in the 2024-25 season finished 2-2 in May 2025.

Zamalek’s most recent victory over National Bank of Egypt before this match came in November 2024, when they won 3-2.

Match details

The opening stages were quiet, with neither side creating a clear chance. Mahmoud Bentayg was booked in the sixth minute after a strong challenge on the left side for Zamalek.

Yaw Annor then tested the Zamalek defence with a powerful effort in the 10th minute, but the ball went wide of Soliman’s left post. Four minutes later, Soliman made an error while attempting to collect a cross, although Annor could not take advantage and sent his follow-up away from goal.

Ahmed Fattouh was shown a yellow card in the 26th minute by referee Mohamed El Ghazi. Annor came close again in the 40th minute when his impressive shot struck the crossbar.

National Bank of Egypt goalkeeper El Balouty produced the first significant save of the match in the 43rd minute, stopping a shot from Adi Dabagh. Mody Nasser was booked after a strong challenge on Bentayg, while Adam Kaied headed over the bar in the 48th minute with the final opportunity of the first half.

Zamalek manager Moataz Gamal introduced Banza and Ahmed Rabie at half-time in place of Fattouh and Ahmed Sherif. Banza broke the deadlock in the 51st minute, converting Dabagh’s excellent cross after Mohamed Nasser failed to clear the ball.

Annor missed a remarkable chance to equalise six minutes later, shooting over the bar with the goal unguarded. El Balouty then denied Nasser Mansi in the 61st minute, before Soliman stopped Rayan’s excellent effort moments later.

Ali Hamdi fired over Soliman’s goal in the 66th minute. Mohamed El Sayed replaced Kaied in the 67th minute, shortly before Soliman went down to receive treatment.

Zamalek then dropped deeper to protect their lead and looked to counter-attack. Mansi was replaced by Hossam Ashraf in the 77th minute, and Soliman again stood firm in the 80th minute by turning Madbouli’s shot behind for a corner.

National Bank of Egypt missed another clear opening in the 84th minute when Ahmed Meteb headed the ball to the unmarked Madbouli inside the area, but Madbouli inexplicably headed over.

Zamalek responded two minutes later. Ashraf converted Mahmoud Bentayg’s excellent cross to make it 2-0. Isho replaced Dabagh in the 87th minute and added the third goal in the 95th minute after a well-worked move by the Zamalek players.

Zamalek next face Montakhab El-Suez Petrojet on Monday in the third round. National Bank of Egypt will continue their search for a first point when they play Asyut Petroleum on the same day.