El Gouna snatches late draw to stall Zamalek momentum

El Gouna left Cairo Stadium with their heads held high after snatching a dramatic 1-1 draw against Zamalek in the eighth round of the Egyptian League.

The coastal side refused to bow, showing resilience that frustrated the title contenders.

Zamalek struck first when Palestinian forward Oday Al-Dabbagh coolly converted a cross in the 27th minute. The hosts looked in control and pushed for a second goal through Abdullah El-Said, Nabil Dunga, and Abdel Hamid Maali, but El Gouna’s goalkeeper Mohamed Alaa stood firm. The visitors also had their moments, with Arnaud rattling the crossbar as they searched for a response.

The second half brought a shift. El Gouna grew bolder, hitting the woodwork again before testing Zamalek’s backline with relentless pressure. Substitute Chico Banza tried to restore Zamalek’s rhythm, but their pace faded late in the game.

Then came the twist. In the 86th minute, Mohamed Emad unleashed a thunderous strike past Mohamed Sobhi to level the score, sparking wild celebrations from the Gouna bench.

Zamalek now sit on 17 points, while El Gouna rise to 8, proud of a result that proved their fighting spirit.