Zamalek lead Abu Qir Fertilizers at half-time after Mohamed Ismail strike

Zamalek took a 1-0 lead against Abu Qir Fertilizers in the Egyptian League’s fourth week, with Mohamed Ismail scoring a superb first-half goal. Mahmoud Bentaieg played a decisive role in creating the opener, while goalkeeper Mahmoud Genesh kept Abu Qir Fertilizers in contention with several important saves.

Zamalek began the match on the front foot and applied sustained pressure as Abu Qir Fertilizers defended in organised lines. Zamalek won two corners to none in the early stages, including one from the left delivered by Mohamed El Sayed which the defence cleared away from danger.

Another corner from the right was taken by Bentaieg and headed away towards midfield. Shortly afterwards, a free-kick awarded to Zamalek after Hossam Ashraf was fouled was also taken by Bentaieg. His effort struck the defensive wall before Genesh pushed the ball behind for another corner.

Abu Qir Fertilizers threatened on the left when Jaber Kamel broke forward, but his touch took the ball too far and it went out for a goal kick. Zamalek then created a clear chance when Adi Al-Dabbagh sent the ball across from the right side of the penalty area. Hossam Ashraf met it with a right-footed shot, but Genesh produced an excellent save.

The pressure eventually brought a goal. Bentaieg delivered a right-sided corner which the Abu Qir Fertilizers defence headed back towards him. The Zamalek player collected the ball, beat the defence with an impressive individual run and skill, then crossed from inside the penalty area. Mohamed Ismail met the delivery with a first-time volley that flew into the top-left corner.

It was the first goal of the match and gave Zamalek the advantage after 15 minutes of a previously goalless contest.

Abu Qir Fertilizers responded with a free-kick after Hossam Ashraf committed a foul. Later, Youssef Hamdy tested Zamalek goalkeeper Mehdi Soliman with a shot from inside the penalty area, but Soliman made a fine save.

After 30 minutes, Zamalek remained 1-0 ahead. The match was briefly paused for a drinks break before play resumed with Abu Qir Fertilizers in possession. Zamalek then won another attacking free-kick after Chico Banza was brought down, while Abu Qir Fertilizers earned a free-kick on the right side of the attacking half. Mohamed Kamara delivered it, but Zamalek’s defence cleared the danger.

Zamalek players appealed for a penalty during the half, although the referee signalled for play to continue. The corner count stood at three for Zamalek and none for Abu Qir Fertilizers at that stage.

There were further disciplinary incidents before the interval. Ahmed Rabie of Zamalek was booked for a strong challenge on Vifor Akim in midfield, while Akim also received a yellow card after a forceful tackle on Zamalek’s Mohamed Shahat.

Abu Qir Fertilizers came close from a right-sided corner taken by Omar Ibrahim. The cross was met by Youssef Hamdy, whose shot went over the crossbar.

In the closing moments of the half, Mohamed El Sayed required treatment and appeared unable to continue. Play was restarted after medical attention, and the referee indicated four minutes of added time.