Two familiar substitutions proved decisive again as a youthful-looking Zamalek side claimed two successive wins for the first time this season after beating Haras El-Hodoud 2-0 in the Egyptian Premier League on Sunday.
El-Hodoud looked like the better team in the first half and were unlucky not to open the scoring after the restart when a poor penalty from midfielder Moataz Ino was easily blocked by Zamalek skipper Abdel-Wahed El-Sayed.
The spot-kick was awarded to El-Hodoud after defender Mahmoud Fathallah clumsily shoved Mostafa Gamal just inside the area.
However, coach Mido made the same two substitutions which tipped the scale in Zamalek’s favour during their hard-fought 3-2 victory over Wadi Degla, introducing attacking midfielders Mostafa Fathi and Youssef Ibrahim.
Both combined on several occasions to help Zamalek unlock a tight defence, with defender Yasser Ibrahim breaking the deadlock on 74 minutes before lone striker Ahmed Ali wrapped up the win six minutes later.
The Cairo giants, who are chasing their first league title in 10 years, moved third in Group B for the first time this season. They have 22 points from 13 matches, two short of second-placed Ismaily who played a game more.
Leaders Petrojet have 29 points from 15 matches as the race for the top two spots hots up in a crucial stage of the season. The group winners and runners-up will qualify for a mini-league phase to determine the champion.
Watch the goals here:
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nvpd0948k_8[/youtube]Blocked Penalty kick:
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMnpIAwEuWA[/youtube]Interview with MIDO after the match:
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2OnMdqT0Ts[/youtube] [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=645sFT5poB4[/youtube] [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsBqiZD7YDY[/youtube]
