Zamalek had territorial dominance and wasted several goal-scoring chances in the first half before the introduction of the Moroccan winger after the break made all the difference.
He set up Mostafa Fathi for the opener one minute past the hour mark before getting on the scoresheet himself with 14 minutes remaining.
Zamalek had to endure some nervy moments towards the end as Mohamed Salem pulled one back in stoppage time but the Cairo giants held on for a second straight win.
Contractors finished with ten men after Hassan El-Shami, who provided an assist for his side’s only goal, received a straight red card for aiming an elbow at Fathi.
Zamalek lie third on 16 points, on level with second-placed Pyramids and two behind leaders Ahly. However, the latter teams have a game in hand apiece.
Contractors dropped to the 15th place in the 18-team table after only collecting five points from seven games.
Smouha 2-1 Ismaily
Scorers: Khaled Abdel-Moteleb 33, Sedik Kalab 90+4 / Shoukri Naguib 45+3pen
Pyramids FC 3-0 Talae El Gaish
Scorers: Mahmoud Wadi 29, 68 Ali Gabr 32
