Zamalek move top of Egyptian Premier League after victory over Abu Qair Semad

Zamalek moved temporarily to the top of the Egyptian Premier League with a 2-0 win over Abu Qair Semad at Cairo International Stadium.

Mohamed Ismail opened the scoring in the 17th minute before substitute Ahmed Sherif sealed Zamalek’s third consecutive victory in the 87th minute. The result also gave the club a third clean sheet in four league matches this season.

Zamalek now have 10 points, while Abu Qair Semad remain 15th with three points. The league leaders will visit Ghazl El Mahalla on Wednesday in the fifth round, before the competition pauses after that round for the international break.

The sixth round will feature the league’s major meeting between Al Ahly and Zamalek.

Zamalek’s latest success followed an opening-round draw with Al Ittihad Alexandria. Their three wins since then have lifted them above the rest of the table, although the fourth round is yet to be completed.

Ismail puts Zamalek ahead

Zamalek started brightly and created an early opening in the second minute, but Abu Qair Semad goalkeeper Mahmoud Abdel Rahim “Gennesh” turned the effort behind for a corner.

The visitors controlled possession as Abu Qair Semad dropped back, although they initially struggled to create clear chances.

Zamalek eventually took the lead when Mohamed Ismail converted Mahmoud Bentayk’s cross. Gennesh had come off his line, leaving Ismail with an open net, and the defender finished with his right foot.

It was Ismail’s second goal for Zamalek since joining the club and his first in the league. The appearance was his 39th for the team.

His previous Zamalek goal came in the last-16 stage of the previous Egypt Cup, against Ceramica Cleopatra.

Abu Qair Semad appealed for a penalty in the 36th minute when Mohamed Shehata went down, but referee Mahmoud Nagy allowed play to continue.

Mohamed El Sayed was withdrawn after suffering an injury to the top of his foot. He was replaced by Abdullah El Said at the start of the second half.

Abu Qair Semad hit by late defeat

Mahdi Soliman played a key role in preserving Zamalek’s lead. He saved a long-range effort in the 54th minute and produced another stop four minutes later to deny Seif Shika.

The home side were also helped by the post, which prevented an equaliser in the 66th minute.

Two minutes later, Zamalek missed a remarkable chance to double their advantage. Omar Gaber’s cross found Oday El Dabbah, whose shot was saved by Mohamed Debash before striking the crossbar. Chico Banza then failed to turn the rebound into the net.

Ahmed Sherif ended Abu Qair Semad’s hopes in the 87th minute with an excellent finish beyond Gennesh.

The defeat was Abu Qair Semad’s third in succession after they began the league campaign by beating National Bank of Egypt. They subsequently lost to Pyramids FC, Al Ittihad and Zamalek.

Abu Qair Semad’s next match is against Al Ahly on Tuesday.

Zamalek began the match with Mahdi Soliman in goal, with Mohamed Awad on the bench and Mohamed Sobhi left out. Adam Kaied was also omitted from the squad for the first time this season for technical reasons.

Their starting line-up was: Mahdi Soliman; Mahmoud Bentayk, Mahmoud Hamdy El Wesh, Mohamed Ismail, Omar Gaber; Mohamed Shehata, Ahmed Rabie, Mohamed El Sayed; Chico Banza, Hossam Ashraf and Oday El Dabbah.

The substitutes were Mohamed Awad, Nasser Mansi, Abdullah El Said, Ahmed Sherif, Ahmed Abdel Rahim “Isho”, Mostafa El Zanary, Mahmoud Gehad, Mohamed Ibrahim and Ahmed Khodary.