Mohamed Ismail scores second Zamalek goal in Abu Qir Fertilizers match

Mohamed Ismail opened the scoring for Zamalek against Abu Qir Fertilizers in the fourth round of the Egyptian Premier League, registering his second goal for the club since joining and his first in the competition.

The defender put Zamalek ahead in the 17th minute with a right-footed shot after meeting a cross from Mahmoud Bentayg. He also took advantage of goalkeeper Mahmoud Abdel Rahim “Gennesh” coming off his line before finding the net.

The match is being played at Zamalek’s home ground, with Abu Qir Fertilizers the visitors for the fourth-round league fixture.

Ismail’s goal was his second for Zamalek since moving to the club. His previous goal came in the last-16 stage of the previous Egypt Cup, when he scored against Ceramica Cleopatra.

That match ended in a 2-1 victory for Ceramica Cleopatra, a result which eliminated Zamalek from the competition.

The Abu Qir Fertilizers match is Ismail’s 39th appearance in a Zamalek shirt.

Zamalek are seeking a third successive victory in the league. Their recent wins have come against National Bank of Egypt and Petrojet, following an opening-day goalless draw with Al Ittihad Alexandria.

Ismail’s early contribution gave Zamalek the advantage as they attempted to continue their progress after that unbeaten start. The goal also marked the defender’s first league strike for the club, adding another milestone to his 39-match spell in the Zamalek side.

The defender’s finish came from a move built down the flank, with Bentayg supplying the delivery into the area. Gennesh’s decision to leave his goal created the opportunity, and Ismail reacted to turn the cross into the opening goal.

For Zamalek, the match represents another opportunity to maintain their winning run in the league after recovering from the goalless draw against Al Ittihad Alexandria at the beginning of the campaign. Their victories over National Bank of Egypt and Petrojet have placed added importance on the attempt to claim another positive result.

Abu Qir Fertilizers were attempting to respond after conceding in the opening period, while Zamalek held the advantage through Ismail’s right-footed effort. The goal remains the defender’s second for the club, with his earlier strike coming in the Egypt Cup defeat by Ceramica Cleopatra.