Chico Banza’s late strike sends Zamalek second in Egyptian Premier League

Zamalek moved into second place in the Egyptian Premier League after Chico Banza scored in the 88th minute to secure a 2-1 victory over El Mokawloon Al Arab.

The result, recorded on Wednesday in the eighth round of the league phase, extended Zamalek’s winning run across all competitions to four matches.

Zamalek took the lead shortly after half-time when Mohamed Hamdy converted a low cross from Palestinian forward Adi Dabbagh in the 46th minute.

El Mokawloon Al Arab responded in the 57th minute through Mohamed Abdel Nasser, whose powerful left-footed effort from inside the penalty area struck Zamalek defender Omar Gaber before finding the net.

With the match appearing to be heading towards a draw, Zamalek regained the lead two minutes from time. Mohamed Hamdy supplied the pass inside the penalty area and Angolan winger Chico Banza finished with his left foot to complete the scoring.

The victory follows Zamalek’s 2-0 defeat by Al Ahly in the sixth round of the Egyptian Premier League on 11 October.

Since that loss, Zamalek have beaten Rwandan Army home and away in the round of 32 of the CAF Champions League, as well as defeating Asyut Petroleum and El Mokawloon Al Arab in league matches.

Zamalek’s latest win takes their total to 19 points and puts them second in the table, two points behind leaders Pyramids and two ahead of third-placed Al Ahly. Zamalek have, however, played one match more than both clubs.

El Mokawloon Al Arab suffered their third defeat of the current Egyptian Premier League season. They remain on 11 points and occupy seventh place in the standings.