Egyptian Premier League: Zamalek overtake Ceramica Cleopatra to top league table after Round 19

Zamalek surged to the summit of the Egyptian Premier League standings on Tuesday following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over ZED FC in their Round 19 clash.

In a lively contest filled with attacking intent from both sides, Zamalek edged past their visitors to collect three crucial points. The White Knights now sit on 37 points at the top of the table, whereas ZED remain seventh with 25 points.

ZED struck first in the 22nd minute through Juan Bezerra, who capitalised on a brilliant assist from Nasser Maher. The Brazilian weaved past his marker before finishing clinically to hand his side the advantage.

Zamalek responded with determination, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. The crossbar denied Bezerra a second goal, while the post also came to Zamalek’s rescue at the other end when Adi Al Dabbagh came close.

The momentum shifted again in the second half. ZED restored parity in the 74th minute when Raafat Khalil completed a flowing move with a powerful strike from inside the area. As tensions rose, Ahmed Rabie was introduced in place of Abdullah Al Saeed, who exited the pitch visibly frustrated.

The decisive moment arrived in the 82nd minute. Rabie latched onto a pass from Chico Banza, advanced confidently and unleashed a shot that struck the post before nestling into the net to seal the win for Zamalek. ZED pressed relentlessly in the closing stages, but a resolute defensive display ensured the leaders walked away with maximum points.

Elsewhere, Ceramica Cleopatra surrendered top spot after being held to a 1-1 draw by Ismaily. Ceramica made a dream start when Fakhri Lakay found the net in the third minute, but their grip on the match slipped deep into stoppage time. Abdelkarim Shehata converted a penalty in the 90+7 minute to rescue a point for Ismaily.

Ceramica were handed a late opportunity to reclaim the lead from the spot but failed to convert in the dying seconds. The draw leaves Ceramica on 36 points in fourth place, level with Al Ahly in third but trailing on goal difference, while Ismaily remain bottom with 11 points.

Meanwhile, Pyramids FC maintained pressure on the leaders with a 3-1 away victory over Ghazl El Mahalla. Nasser Maher opened the scoring in the 25th minute before Mostafa Fathi doubled the advantage just before the break.

Sunday Williams briefly reduced the deficit for the hosts in the 29th minute, but Fiston Mayele struck in stoppage time to secure the result. Pyramids now have 37 points, level with Zamalek but behind on goal difference, while Ghazl El Mahalla remain 14th on 18 points.

With the title race tightening and margins becoming increasingly slim, the battle at the top of the Egyptian Premier League promises even more drama in the weeks ahead.