Egyptian Premier League: ZED FC close in on Al-Masry and Petrojet Falter

The Egyptian Premier League’s eighth matchday opened on Monday with three tightly contested fixtures, highlighted by ZED FC’s victory that moved them within touching distance of the top three.

Elsewhere, Al-Masry and Petrojet both endured frustrating stalemates that slowed their momentum in the title race.

Al-Masry, chasing league leaders Zamalek, were left to rue missed opportunities in a goalless draw against bottom-placed Pharco.

Despite enjoying long spells of possession, the Port Said side lacked penetration in attack and failed to break down a determined defensive block.

The result leaves Al-Masry second in the standings on 15 points, but it was a missed chance to pile pressure on Zamalek, who have the opportunity to stretch their lead further when they play on Tuesday.

For Petrojet, the story was one of frustration. Facing Gazl El Mahalla, the Cairo club saw their game plan collapse just before half-time when Mohamed Ibrahim Dodo was sent off in the 45th minute.

Reduced to ten men, Petrojet struggled to impose themselves and were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw.

The single point keeps them in seventh place, offering little momentum in their push up the table.

While their rivals stumbled, ZED FC seized the moment to close the gap on the podium.

A well-taken strike by Shady Hussein in the 13th minute proved enough to secure a narrow but decisive 1-0 win over Al-Ittihad.

That result lifts ZED to 12 points, just one behind the top three, and reinforces their credentials as an emerging force in this season’s competition.

It was a display that combined defensive solidity with clinical finishing, sending a message to the more established clubs that ZED are ready to contest the higher places.

The day’s results underline how fine the margins are becoming at the top end of the Egyptian Premier League.

Al-Masry remain in second but with little breathing space, Petrojet risk drifting into mid-table obscurity, and ZED FC have inserted themselves firmly into the race for continental places.

Monday results – Matchday 8

• Pharco 0–0 Al-Masry
• Petrojet 0–0 Gazl El Mahalla
• ZED FC 1–0 Al-Ittihad

With Zamalek yet to play, the early rounds of the season continue to shift the balance of the table.

For Al-Masry and Petrojet, it was a night of frustration, but for ZED FC, the climb toward the podium gathered fresh momentum.