Hossam Ashraf scores in Stoppage time as Zamalek beat El Makasa 1-0

Youngster Hossam Ashraf came off the bench to score the winner in stoppage time as Zamalek secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over a resilient Maqassa side to make up for their previous draw in the Egyptian Premier League on Saturday.

The 19-year-old forward netted four minutes into the additional time after a goal-mouth scramble as Zamalek made their late dominance count to break the resistance of Maqassa.

Maqassa were more than a match for their illustrious opponents, moving the ball around smoothly and keeping at bay Zamalek’s sources of danger, including Moroccan winger Achraf Bencharki.

But late in the game, Zamalek relied on Bencharki’s compatriot Mohamed Ounajem to carve out openings as he tormented Maqassa’s backline down the right flank.

The winger started on the bench but was introduced in the first half after defensive midfielder Mohamed Hassan was injured.

Zamalek have 38 points from 19 games, 15 behind runaway leaders Ahly. They are also three points ahead of third-placed Pyramids in what could be a tight race for second place, which earns qualification for the African Champions League.

Goal by: Hossam Ashraf 90+4

Yellow cards: Ibrahim 7, Abdel-Aziz 74, Desouki 86, Said 89 (Maqassa)/ Alaa 19 (Zamalek)

Starting lineups:

Zamalek: Mohamed Abou Gabal – Mohamed Abdel-Shafi, Mahmoud Alaa, Mahmoud Hamdi, Mohamed Abdel-Ghani, Tarek Hamed, Ferjani Sassi (Osama Faisal 90), Mohamed Hassan (Mohamed Ounajem 11), Achraf Bencharki (Hossam Ashraf 83), Mostafa Mohamed, Ahmed “Zizo” El Sayed (Kabongo Kasongo 83)

Maqassa: Mahmoud Hamdi – Ahmed Modi, Mahmoud Dabash, Essam Sobhi, Assem Saed, Salah Rico, Mohamed Touni, Khalid Aucho (Mohamed El-Desouki 75), Edu Moses, Mohamed Ibrahim, Abdallah Magdi (Shimelis Bekele 90+1)

Venue: Cairo’s international stadium