Zamalek opened their Egyptian Premier League campaign with a spirited 2-0 away win over Ceramica Cleopatra at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium on Friday.
It was the perfect start for new Belgian coach Yannick Ferreira, who was warmly welcomed by the travelling fans in his first official game in charge.
The match had a lively tempo, with Chico Banza and Fakhri Lakay coming close early on, while Mohamed Shehata’s effort was denied by a sharp save from El-Soulia. Zamalek’s control in the second half brought them closer to a breakthrough, but missed chances and firm Ceramica defending kept the score level.
Persistence paid off in the 84th minute when Adam Kaid slipped a clever pass through the defence for Nasser Maher, who fired past goalkeeper Mohamed Bassam. The Whites sealed the win deep into stoppage time as Shehata spotted Bassam off his line and lofted the ball into the net in the 90+7 minute.
The victory not only earned Zamalek three points but also gave Ferreira a dream start to his reign.
