Hopes of Zamalek’s new coach Jaime Pacheco to get a winning start were quashed as the Whites were dealt their third successive goalless draw against Wadi Degla on Monday.
After thrashing Talae El-Geish 6-1 in the Egyptian league opener, Zamalek failed to maintain their rhythm as they were held to two goalless draws by Ittihad El-Shorta and Dakhleya.
Following great expectations from the club’s board, Zamalek’s coach Hossam Hassan was shown the door after the two draws and the Portuguese tactician Pacheco was named the team’s new boss.
The 57-year-old, who arrived in Cairo on Friday, wasn’t lucky enough to please the club’s board, which went on a spending spree this summer, bringing in 17 players to regain the league title, last won in 2004.
Despite the presence of the new coach, Zamalek’s performance was modest since the match start as the club strikers wasted opportunities for goals.
After only seven minutes, promising playmaker Moemen Zakareya wasted a precious chance to give Zamalek an early lead after being one on one with goalkeeper Amir Abdel-Hamid who perfectly denied his shot.
Throughout the first 15 minutes, the Whites dominated the ball, making calm moves and perfect passes but without a real threat against the goal.
In the 16th minute, goalkeeper Abdel-Hamid continued his superb performance by saving a penalty by forward Ahmed Eid.
Until minute 30, Zamalek kept the upper-hand despite its slow rhythm amid rare attacks and tightened defense from Degla players.
Degla players suddenly flourished with two successive chances to hit Zamalek’s net, only 15 minutes before the break, but goalkeeper Ahmed El-Shennawy was on target.
Better second half
Zamalek began the second half more active with arranged passes and attacks. Playmaker Ayman Hefny replaced Ahmed Eid from the start in a bid to add more strength to the attacking line.
In the 55 minute, defender Ahmed Dweidar had a golden chance to score but the ball was blocked by Degla’s goal post.
Zamalek attacks continued searching for the goal, while Degla players were excellent in stopping the Cairo giants’ danger.
The two teams’ trials to reach the net continued until the referee’s final whistle which announced the draw.
