Zamalek Go Top as Ceramica Beat Smouha in Gameweek Four

Zamalek moved to the top of the Egyptian Premier League after beating Abu Qir Fertilizers, while Ceramica Cleopatra defeated Smouha.

The White Knights reached 10 points from four matches, one ahead of Pyramids, Ceramica and Al Ahly. Pyramids and Ahly can regain the advantage when they play their fourth-round fixtures on Wednesday.

Mohamed Ismail opened the scoring at Cairo International Stadium in the 17th minute, volleying home Mahmoud Bentayg’s cross.

Abu Qir threatened an immediate response, but Mahdi Soliman denied Youssef Hamdy two minutes later. The Zamalek goalkeeper intervened again in the 66th minute, stopping Mohamed Alaa’s effort with help from the post.

Mohamed Dabash then cleared Oday Dabbagh’s shot off the line as Zamalek sought a second goal.

Ahmed Sherif finally secured the victory in the 87th minute. He beat a defender before lifting the ball over Mahmoud ‘Genesh’ Abdelrahim to complete the scoring.

Zamalek have now won three consecutive league matches following their opening draw with Ittihad Alexandria. Abu Qir remain 15th with three points after a third successive defeat.

At Borg El Arab Stadium, Ceramica scored twice early in the second half to claim their third consecutive victory.

Samir El-Eraky broke the deadlock in the 49th minute, firing home after Ahmed Belhadji released him with a backheel. Hussein El-Sayed doubled the lead eight minutes later with a powerful finish inside the penalty area.

Ceramica climbed to third with nine points, while Smouha remained 19th with one.

Monday’s four matches opened Gameweek Four, with National Bank of Egypt beating Ghazl El Mahalla 3-1. Osama Faisal scored twice and Ahmed Yasser Rayan added another, while Abdo Yehia replied for Mahalla. National Bank sit ninth with six points, while Mahalla remain bottom with one.

Suez Petrojet earned their first victory of the campaign by overcoming Al Masry 2-1. Mostafa El-Badry put them ahead before Salah Mohsen equalised from the penalty spot in the 55th minute. Ahmed Bahbah restored Petrojet’s lead a minute later.

The result lifted Petrojet to 12th with four points. Al Masry remained eighth on six after a second successive defeat.

Ittihad Alexandria beat Asyut Petroleum 1-0 through Nour Alaa’s 74th-minute goal. Tala’ea El-Gaish drew 1-1 with Canal SC, with Islam Mohareb cancelling out Mawuli Wayo’s opener. El-Gaish and Ittihad occupy fifth and sixth, respectively, on seven points, ahead of Canal on six.

Four fixtures remain on Wednesday: Pyramids host El Gouna, Modern Sport face Wadi Degla, Arab Contractors meet Al Ahly, and El Sharkia ENPPI take on ZED.