Zamalek lead Abu Qir Fertilizers after Mohamed Ismail strike

Zamalek took a 1-0 lead over Abu Qir Fertilizers in their Egyptian league week-four match after Mohamed Ismail finished a cleverly worked corner with a superb volley.

The decisive move began when Mahmoud Bentayg delivered from the right. Abu Qir Fertilizers’ defence cleared the ball back towards Bentayg, who beat his opponents with individual skill before sending a cross from inside the penalty area.

Mohamed Ismail met it first time and guided his effort into the top-left corner, giving Zamalek the advantage after 15 minutes.

Zamalek had already threatened through a series of set-pieces. Mahmoud Bentayg’s free-kick from the left side of the attacking half was cleared by the defence, while another effort from the Moroccan struck the wall before goalkeeper Mahmoud Genesh turned the rebound behind for a corner.

Further corners from Mohamed El Sayed and Bentayg were also dealt with by Abu Qir Fertilizers, who organised themselves defensively as Zamalek attempted to extend their lead.

Abu Qir Fertilizers gradually created opportunities of their own. Yusuf Hamdy’s shot from inside the box was saved impressively by Zamalek goalkeeper Mehdi Suleiman, who also denied a long-range effort from the same player.

Omar Ibrahim later delivered a right-wing corner which found Yusuf Hamdy, but his shot went over the crossbar. Another Abu Qir corner, taken short by Ahmed Daheesh, eventually led to Seif El-Din Shika shooting from outside the area, but Suleiman produced another strong save.

Zamalek also came close through Adi Dabbagh, whose pass from the right side of the penalty area set up Hossam Ashraf. His right-footed shot was stopped by Genesh.

There were appeals for a Zamalek penalty, but the referee waved play on. The corner count at one stage stood at three to Zamalek and none to Abu Qir Fertilizers, before the home side later moved to four corners against Abu Qir’s zero.

The match included a drinks break, while play was also stopped to allow treatment for Zamalek midfielder Mohamed El Sayed. He appeared unable to continue, although play resumed after medical attention.

Zamalek’s Ahmed Rabie was booked for a strong challenge on Abu Qir player Vifor Akim in midfield. Akim was later shown a yellow card for a heavy challenge on Mohamed Shehata.

Abu Qir Fertilizers made their first substitution during the match, followed by a second change and then a third forced substitution. Jaber Kamel required treatment after appearing unable to complete the game.

Zamalek also made an enforced substitution. The second half began with Zamalek continuing to circulate the ball in their own half without immediately threatening Genesh’s goal.

As Abu Qir Fertilizers pushed for an equaliser, Zamalek maintained a disciplined defensive shape. Play was stopped again after Suleiman required treatment, with the Zamalek goalkeeper later able to resume.

Seif El-Din Shika was booked following a strong challenge on Suleiman. Abu Qir continued to press in an effort to level the match, but Suleiman remained alert, making the key saves required to protect Zamalek’s lead.

Four minutes were added at the end of the first half. The available match account records Zamalek ahead 1-0 as the second half got under way.