El Mahdy shines as Zamalek and Al Ittihad Alexandria remain level in Egyptian Premier League opener

Zamalek were held to a goalless draw by Al Ittihad Alexandria in the opening round of the Egyptian Premier League, with goalkeeper El Mahdy producing an important save to keep the score at 0-0.

The match was being followed through live coverage, with the early stages producing chances for both sides. Zamalek forward Nasser Mansi came close to opening the scoring in the 19th minute, but his header went narrowly wide of the post.

That opportunity was followed by the clearest moment of the match so far, as El Mahdy denied Fery in the 24th minute. Fery evaded a Zamalek defender before shooting, but the goalkeeper reacted well to prevent the attempt from finding the net.

The save ensured that the opening-round fixture remained goalless after 24 minutes. Zamalek had been given an opportunity to take the lead through Mansi, while Al Ittihad Alexandria threatened through Fery’s individual effort.

Mansi’s chance came when the Zamalek attacker met the ball with a header, only for it to pass just wide of the upright. It was the first notable opening recorded in the match and briefly offered Zamalek the chance to gain control of the contest.

Al Ittihad Alexandria responded with a more direct attack. Fery managed to get beyond a Zamalek defender and created space for a shot, but El Mahdy stood in the way and made the save.

The two sides therefore remained locked at 0-0 in the first round of the Egyptian Premier League. El Mahdy’s intervention had so far proved decisive, while Zamalek’s best opening had ended without a shot on target after Mansi’s header drifted wide.

The live match coverage began with the score level, and the early action centred on the two chances recorded in the 19th and 24th minutes. There were no goals to separate Zamalek and Al Ittihad Alexandria at the latest update, despite openings at both ends of the pitch.

Mansi was unable to convert Zamalek’s first opportunity, while Fery was stopped by El Mahdy after beating his marker. The goalkeeper’s performance was the main talking point as the match continued with both teams still searching for the breakthrough.