Zamalek move ahead after Ahmed Sherif capitalises on Assiut Petroleum error

Zamalek took the lead against Assiut Petroleum in Egyptian League week seven when Ahmed Sherif punished a serious defensive mistake and finished from inside the penalty area.

Assiut Petroleum’s defence failed to clear the ball, allowing Sherif to win possession before firing into the right side of the net.

The goal came after a period of pressure from Zamalek, whose players had been attempting to break through a well-organised Assiut Petroleum defence. The corner count stood at one to Zamalek and none to Assiut Petroleum.

Earlier, Assiut Petroleum goalkeeper Amgad Youssef dealt with two efforts from Zamalek. Mohamed Hamdy’s shot from inside the box was held comfortably, while Ahmed Abdelrahim’s attempt from outside the area was saved well.

Zamalek had also threatened through Ahmed Fattouh, whose long-range effort went wide. Omar Gaber delivered a left-sided corner into the box, but the Assiut Petroleum defence cleared the danger. Another corner, taken by Mohamed Hamdy through a short pass before a cross, ended in Youssef’s hands.

Assiut Petroleum created an opportunity through Ahmed Younes, although his effort from inside the area missed the target. Abdelrahman Issa Kishkesh came closer with a powerful shot from outside the box that struck the top of the crossbar before going out of play.

The match began with Zamalek circulating the ball in midfield and applying strong pressure to Assiut Petroleum players in possession. Ten minutes into the first half, however, the score remained 0-0.

Zamalek made their first substitution during the opening period. The players named in the match events included Omar Gaber, Mahmoud Gihad, Mohamed Farag, Mohamed Hamdy, Mostafa El-Zanary, Ahmed Sherif, Ibrahim Abbas and Abdelrahman Issa Kishkesh.

Mostafa El-Zanary was booked for a strong challenge on Assiut Petroleum’s Cheick Boundi.

The visitors were also reduced to 10 men when Ibrahim Abbas received a red card for a serious challenge on Sherif. The referee then went to the video assistant referee to review the incident.

After checking the footage, the referee cancelled the red card and replaced it with a yellow card. The match therefore continued without Abbas being sent off.