Zamalek secure 2-0 victory over Abu Qir Fertilizers in Egyptian Premier League

Zamalek earned a 2-0 win over Abu Qir Fertilizers in the fourth week of the Egyptian Premier League, with Mohamed Ismail and Ahmed Sherif scoring in either half.

The result was secured late in the match when Mahmoud Bentayg’s headed pass released Ahmed Sherif into the penalty area. The forward beat his marker with an individual run before finishing into the bottom-left corner.

Zamalek had taken the lead earlier through Mohamed Ismail, who struck a fine first-time finish into the top-left corner after Bentayg created the opening.

The home side had been the more threatening team during the first half, although Abu Qir Fertilizers produced several opportunities of their own. Zamalek’s Mohamed Shehata tested goalkeeper Mahmoud Genesh from distance, while a free-kick from Bentayg was deflected by the wall and then turned behind by Genesh.

Hossam Ashraf also came close after Adi Dabagh’s pass from the right found him inside the box, but his right-footed effort was saved by Genesh.

Abu Qir Fertilizers responded with a shot from Youssef Hamdy that was comfortably dealt with by Zamalek goalkeeper Mehdi Soliman. Omar Ibrahim later delivered a corner from the right, which Hamdy headed over the crossbar.

The visitors appealed for a penalty during the opening period, but the referee allowed play to continue. At the interval, Zamalek led 1-0, with four minutes added on.

The second half saw Abu Qir Fertilizers press for an equaliser, but Zamalek’s defence remained organised. Youssef Hamdy and Seif El-Din Shika both tested Soliman from outside the penalty area, with the Zamalek goalkeeper making strong saves.

Shika was booked for a heavy challenge on Soliman, while Abu Qir Fertilizers players also received cautions for challenges involving Mohamed Shehata and Ahmed Rabie. Vifour Akim was booked after a foul on Shehata, and Rabie was shown a yellow card for a midfield challenge on Akim.

Abu Qir Fertilizers came particularly close when Mohamed Alaa’s effort from inside the box was brilliantly stopped by Soliman. The ball struck the left post before going behind for a corner.

Another dangerous attack saw Omar Gaber’s cross from inside the area reach Adi Dabagh, whose left-footed attempt was cleared off the line by Mohamed Debash. The ball hit the crossbar and passed narrowly in front of Chico Banza before Zamalek’s defence completed the clearance.

Abu Qir Fertilizers made five substitutions, including several forced changes. Play was stopped for treatment to Gaber Kamel and Mohamed Kamara, with both appearing unable to continue. Zamalek also made five substitutions, while Mohamed El Sayed required treatment before play resumed.

There was a drinks break during each half. The referee added five minutes at the end of the second half, after four minutes had been added before the interval.

Zamalek finished with four corners to Abu Qir Fertilizers’ three. Late efforts from Seif El-Din Shika and Ahmed Daheesh were saved by Soliman as Zamalek held on for a clean sheet and a two-goal victory.