Hossam Ashraf: Zamalek can win against any opponent at any time

Hossam Ashraf says Zamalek’s quality and character mean they can win matches against any opponent, even when they are not performing at their best.

Zamalek continued their winning start to the Egyptian Premier League season with a 2-1 victory over Suez Petrojet in the third round, a result that moved them to seven points and second place in the table.

Ashraf scored Zamalek’s second goal in the 40th minute, producing an excellent header from a cross delivered by Chico Banza. The goal secured three important points for the Cairo club and extended their unbeaten start to the campaign.

“Thank God for the win. Three points are extremely important at the beginning of the league,” Ashraf told On Sport.

“I would like to thank the Zamalek fans, who are our first source of support, and I thank Moataz Gamal for his efforts with us after returning late to the training camp, but we fight in the matches.”

Ashraf also underlined the demands facing Zamalek as they compete in a number of fixtures and competitions.

“There are many matches in the league as well as in more than one competition, and I hope to continue performing well and earn more of the fans’ confidence,” he said.

The match against Suez Petrojet proved difficult for Zamalek, who had kept clean sheets in their opening two league games. They conceded their first goal of the season in this fixture but held on to claim victory.

“The Suez Petrojet match was extremely difficult, but we are Zamalek and, even if we are not successful, we can win at any time,” Ashraf added.

The result left Zamalek on seven points, placing them second in the Egyptian Premier League standings.

Suez Petrojet are still searching for their first win of the season. They have now lost to Tala’ea El Gaish and Zamalek, while their other result was a draw against Asyut Petroleum.

They sit 15th with one point.

For Ashraf, the goal was another personal milestone. It was his 21st in the Egyptian Premier League across all the teams he has represented.

He has also scored in consecutive matches for Zamalek for the first time. Ashraf found the net against National Bank of Egypt before scoring against Suez Petrojet, achieving the feat after making 41 appearances for the club.

The latest strike was his eighth goal for Zamalek in those 41 matches.

Zamalek’s victory keeps them near the top of the table during the early stages of the season, while Ashraf’s current run of scoring form has strengthened his contribution to a side aiming to maintain its winning momentum across the league and its other competitions.