Al Ahly & Zamalek Draw 1-1 in Egyptian Premier League

Al Ahly and Zamalek ended in a 1-1 draw in their match held this Saturday evening at Cairo Stadium as part of the 15th round of the Egyptian Premier League.

Ashraf Bencharki scored Al Ahly's goal in the 72nd minute in his debut appearance in the red jersey, following his recent transfer from Al Rayyan of Qatar after terminating his contract. Zamalek’s Bentaïej leveled the score in the 84th minute, making the Moroccan duo Bencharki and Bentaïej the goal scorers of the match.

With this result, Al Ahly's points tally has risen to 33 points after 15 games, comprising 9 wins and 6 draws, remaining undefeated. They have scored 27 goals and conceded 9. On the other hand, Zamalek's total rises to 28 points after 15 games, with 8 wins, 4 draws, and 3 losses, scoring 26 goals and conceding 15.

Al Ahly’s Lineup for the Zamalek Match

Al Ahly's lineup was as follows: Mohamed El Shenawy, Akram Tawfik, Rami Rabia, Ashraf Dari, Ahmed Nabil 'Koka', Marwan Attia, Hussein El Shahat, Imam Ashour, Ahmed Reda, Mohamed Abdallah, and Gerard Gohou.

Zamalek’s Lineup

Zamalek’s team included: Mohamed Awad, Mahmoud Hamdy 'El Wensh', Bentaïej, Omar Gaber, Hossam Abdelmajid, Salah Moustafa, Nabil Emad 'Dunga', Mohamed Shokry, Abdullah El-Said, Ahmed 'Zizo' Mostafa, and Seifeddine Jaziri.

Match Officiating Crew

The match was officiated by a Norwegian team led by Espen Eskås as the main referee, assisted by Jan Erik Engan and Isak Bashevkin with Osman Islam serving as the fourth official. The duo Tom Harald Hagen and Christopher Haagens managed the video technology.

Match Events

The first half began cautiously with both teams, although Al Ahly dominated early, utilizing the speed of El Shahat and Gohou. However, Zamalek’s goalkeeper Mohamed Awad timely intercepted a promising cross. The match heated up over time, but the final touches were lacking from both sides. Imam Ashour fired a powerful shot that hit Awad’s hand and struck the post but did not enter.

Zamalek stepped up their game and led several attacks through Abdullah El-Said and Zizo. The play was paused briefly for Ashour’s treatment, during which Nabil Dunga received a yellow card in the 36th minute for rough play against Ahmed Reda.

The second half started energetically, with Ashraf Dari receiving a yellow card in the 48th minute for a foul on Bentaïej. Mohamed El Shenawy brilliantly saved a direct shot from Dunga, and Gerard Gohou was also booked for roughness against Bentaïej.

Zamalek continued to press, resulting in Mahmoud 'El Wensh' Hamdy receiving a yellow card. Bencharki entered the game in the 61st minute and soon made his mark by scoring a brilliant header in the 71st minute from a Gohou assist.

After several substitutions and continued efforts from both teams, Bentaïej capitalized on a defensive lapse to score the equalizer in the 84th minute. The match concluded with a 1-1 draw, leaving both teams to reflect on missed opportunities.