Shaban’s third penalty save helps Canal SC hold Wadi Degla to a draw

Wadi Degla and Canal SC remain unbeaten in the league this season after playing out a goalless draw at Al Salam Stadium in the third round of the competition.

The result leaves both sides on five points, with the two clubs occupying sixth and seventh place in the league table. Neither team has yet suffered defeat, although both missed the opportunity to move closer to the leading positions with victory.

The decisive moment came in the 66th minute, when Canal SC goalkeeper Mohamed Shaban saved a penalty from Wadi Degla forward Hamza Hassan.

It was the third penalty Shaban has stopped after only three rounds of the campaign, underlining his growing importance to Canal SC since their return to the Premier League.

Shaban was named player of the match for the second time this season. He had previously received the award in Canal SC’s meeting with Ceramica Cleopatra, when he saved two penalties in the shoot-out.

The stalemate was the eighth draw recorded in the league this season, with five of those matches ending without a goal.

Wadi Degla began their campaign with a goalless draw against ZED before recording their first victory in the second round, when they defeated ENPPI 3-1. Their failure to score against Canal SC means they have now taken five points from their opening three fixtures.

Canal SC opened their return to the top flight with a 2-1 victory over Ceramica Cleopatra. They then drew 1-1 with El Gouna in the second round before being held by Wadi Degla.

The two clubs now have identical points totals after three matches, while Shaban’s penalty save ensured Canal SC avoided a first defeat since returning to the Premier League.