Zamalek struck at the death to salvage an exciting 2-2 draw at Gouna as the Egyptian Premier League resumed on Sunday following a lengthy Nations Cup break, but their hopes to win the title were dealt what could be a fatal blow.
Substitute Mahmoud Abdel-Aziz headed home seven minutes into stoppage time to secure a share of spoils, keeping alive Zamalek’s slim hopes of dethroning arch rivals and leaders Ahly, who are close to wrapping up a fourth successive title.
Defensive midfielder Tarek Hamed, one of the few Egypt players to earn praise in their disappointing Nations Cup campaign, put Zamalek ahead with a sublime screamer three minutes past the hour mark.
However, two blunders from keeper Omar Salah, who stood in for the injured Mahmoud Gennesh, cost Zamalek dear.
He mis-judged a cross from the right to leave substitute Ahmed Rayan with a simple tap-in before pushing a cross-cum-shot from Mahmoud El-Shabrawi into his own net with two minutes remaining.
Zamalek needed to beat Gouna, Ismaily and Ahly in their last three matches to clinch their first league crown since 2015, but their Sunday draw put their Cairo foes within touching distance of retaining their title.
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Ahly lead the table with 74 points, five clear of Zamalek. Should Ahly defeat Arab Contractors on Wednesday, they will be crowned champions before meeting Zamalek on the final day of the season.
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