Ahmed Sherif earns Zamalek victory as Aouad returns in league win

Ahmed Sherif scored the only goal as Zamalek beat Petrol Asyut 1-0 at Borg El Arab Stadium to return to winning ways in the league.

Sherif struck in the 26th minute after a serious defensive error by Petrol Asyut, lifting Zamalek to 16 points and third place. It was their fifth league victory of the season.

The result came as goalkeeper Mohamed Aouad made his first league appearance of the campaign. Zamalek’s next match is against APR FC on Saturday evening in the second leg of the CAF Champions League round of 32, with Zamalek holding a 1-0 advantage from the first meeting in Rwanda.

Sherif continues scoring form

Sherif took advantage of the defensive mistake before sending a shot beyond Petrol Asyut goalkeeper Amgad Youssef and into the right side of the net.

The goal was his third for Zamalek in the league this season. Overall, he has contributed to five goals for the club, having also provided two assists in the CAF Champions League.

The match was Sherif’s eighth for Zamalek this season. He contributed to seven goals in 32 appearances last season and needs one more goal to match his total of four goals for the club last campaign.

Aouad makes key saves

Both sides started at pace, with Petrol Asyut threatening first when Abdel Rahman Kashkash struck the crossbar with a powerful effort from outside the area in the eighth minute.

Youssef then denied Sherif in the 12th minute, before the ball reached Chico Banza, whose effort went over the bar.

Petrol Asyut’s Ibrahim Abbas was initially shown a straight red card by referee Hamada Al-Qalawi for a strong challenge on Sherif in the 15th minute. After a video review, however, the referee changed his decision to a yellow card.

Youssef produced another good save to turn a fine effort from Ahmed Abdel Rahim “Isho” behind for a corner in the 30th minute. Zamalek were forced into a change eight minutes later when Mohamed Farag replaced the injured Mahmoud Gihad.

Aouad made an important intervention immediately after the restart to prevent Petrol Asyut from equalising, while Ahmed Fattouh completed the clearance from the goal line. The goalkeeper saved again in the 58th minute to deny Petrol Asyut forward Che Bandi.

Zamalek manager Moataz Gamal introduced Abdullah El Said and Hossam Ashraf for Mohamed Hamdy and Sherif in the 63rd minute. The final 20 minutes passed without a significant chance, despite Petrol Asyut retaining most of the possession.

Aouad started behind Omar Gaber, Mostafa El Zenary, Mahmoud Hamdy “El Wensh” and Fattouh, with Mahmoud Gihad, Mohamed Shehata and Hamdy in midfield. Isho, Sherif and Chico Banza formed the attack.

The substitutes were Mehdi Soliman, Ahmed Hossam, Hossam Ashraf, Abdullah El Said, Ahmed El Gafaly, Mohamed Ismail, Youssef Wael, Mohamed Farag and Adi Al-Dabbagh.

Zamalek face Al Mokawloon Al Arab on 28 October in the eighth round, while Petrol Asyut play El Gouna on 30 October.