Zamalek SC and Al Masry played out a tense goalless draw in Port Said on Thursday, as the third round of the Egyptian Premier League play-offs delivered high-stakes football but few goals in its headline fixture.
The clash between two of Egypt’s top-four sides was expected to be a fierce contest, and it lived up to expectations in intensity, if not in scoring.
Both teams fought hard to break the deadlock at Al Masry Stadium, but resolute defending and missed chances defined the 90 minutes, leaving the scoreboard untouched at 0-0.
The result sees Zamalek SC maintain their position in third place with 39 points, while Al Masry stay close behind with 35 points.
Though the match offered no clear victor, it underscored the fine margins that are beginning to shape the final phase of this year’s league campaign.
In the day’s other fixture, National Bank of Egypt claimed the most emphatic result of the round, defeating Ceramica Cleopatra 4-2 in an away victory that reshuffles the lower half of the play-off standings.
It was a statement performance from the visitors, who showcased clinical finishing to overcome Ceramica, who struggled to cope with the pressure despite playing on home soil.
With this win, National Bank of Egypt climb to 35 points, drawing level with Al Masry and adding further complexity to the race for top-four positioning.
Ceramica Cleopatra, meanwhile, remain stranded on 27 points and face an uphill battle as the play-off rounds continue.
Thursday’s Egyptian Premier League Play-off results:
- Ceramica Cleopatra 2–4 National Bank of Egypt
- Al Masry 0–0 Zamalek SC
As the play-off stage unfolds, the competition remains fiercely contested, with just a few points separating several sides.
The coming rounds are expected to be decisive as clubs chase continental qualification and a strong finish to the season.
Zamalek, while failing to secure maximum points, will take some comfort from preserving their lead over Al Masry.
However, with rivals gaining ground, the White Knights will be under pressure to convert draws into wins as the league enters its critical phase.
