Zamalek clinched a crucial 2-0 victory over struggling Talae El Gaish with a late goal from Hossam Abdel-Meguid and a stoppage-time header courtesy of Senegalese forward Ibrahima Ndiaye.
The White Knights, aiming to bounce back from a disappointing draw against lowly Dakhleya last week, battled hard to secure three points in a less-than-convincing performance under the guidance of coach Juan Carlos Osorio.
Sitting fourth in the standings with 50 points from 29 games, Zamalek are in the hunt for a continental spot next season. However, league leaders Ahly appear to be out of reach, boasting an impressive tally of 62 points collected from just 24 matches.
After a six-week absence due to injury, international full-back Ahmed Fatouh made his return to the starting lineup but found himself in an unfamiliar role. Osorio deployed the 23-year-old defender in central midfield within his 3-2-4-1 formation.
Despite enjoying superior ball possession, the White Knights failed to capitalize on their dominance.
Meanwhile, relegation-threatened El Gaish posed threats after the interval. Ahmed Ayman Mansour came close to scoring with a header that crashed against the post, while Mahmoud Wadi's close-range header was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi.
In the 88th minute, Abdel-Meguid outjumped the defense to connect with a pinpoint corner from Ahmed "Zizo" El Sayed, directing a glancing header into the net from the far post.
With spaces opening up at the back, Mostafa Shalabi delivered a cross to Ndiaye, who powered home another header in the 92nd minute, securing the crucial victory.
El Gaish will be left to rue missed opportunities as they find themselves in the danger zone with only 26 points from 29 games.
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