Zamalek’s academy graduates inspire victory over Suez Petrojet

Zamalek continued their winning start to the Egyptian Premier League season with a 2-1 victory over Suez Petrojet, as academy graduates Hossam Ashraf and Mohamed El Sayed scored to maintain their side’s momentum.

Badr Moussa scored for Suez Petrojet, who remain without a victory after the opening three rounds. The result lifted Zamalek to seven points and second place in the league table, while Suez Petrojet sit 15th with one point.

Ashraf and El Sayed were both developed in Zamalek’s youth system, and their contribution underlines the emergence of the club’s academy players during the current campaign.

Ashraf and fellow Zamalek academy graduate Ahmed Abdel Rahim “Isho” were on target in the previous match against National Bank of Egypt. Ashraf was rewarded for another influential display by being named player of the match.

The victory was not entirely routine for Zamalek, who conceded their first goal of the season after keeping clean sheets in their opening two fixtures.

Suez Petrojet made the more aggressive start and created the first opportunity after only three minutes, when Moussa sent a dangerous effort from outside the penalty area just wide of the goal.

Zamalek defender Mahmoud Hamdy El Wensh then prevented what appeared to be a certain goal in the eighth minute, heading the ball away from the goal-line.

Suez Petrojet continued to threaten, with Ahmed Bahbah producing an impressive overhead kick that struck the crossbar in the 12th minute. Zamalek goalkeeper Mahdy Soliman was also called upon to make a significant save eight minutes later.

Mohamed Dodo, listed as a Suez Petrojet player, sent a cross-shot wide in the 39th minute after the visitors had created another dangerous attacking situation.

Zamalek eventually took the lead a minute later. Ashraf met a cross from Chico Banza with a fine header to put his side ahead before half-time.

The referee reviewed a possible penalty for Zamalek in the 55th minute, but decided not to award a spot-kick after consulting the video assistant referee.

Suez Petrojet created further openings after the break, while Zamalek looked to extend their advantage. Oday El Dabbagh fired over from inside the penalty area in the 58th minute.

Zamalek doubled their lead five minutes later when El Sayed found the bottom corner with a shot directed towards the near post.

Ashraf came close to scoring again in the 66th minute, but his powerful effort from inside the box missed the target. In the same minute, Abu Bakr Liady of Smoha failed to convert a one-on-one chance.

Freddy Kouablan, also listed as a Smoha player, struck the crossbar with a header in the 81st minute, keeping Suez Petrojet within reach of a comeback.

Abdullah El Said replaced El Sayed in the 85th minute. Suez Petrojet were then awarded a penalty a minute later after Mohamed Shehata’s challenge.

Soliman saved Godwin Chika’s initial spot-kick, but the referee ordered it to be retaken because the goalkeeper had moved off his line. Moussa converted the second attempt to reduce the deficit.

Zamalek held firm during the closing stages to secure their second victory of the season and continue their unbeaten start to the campaign.