Zamalek moved one win short of a second straight Egyptian Premier League title after defeating a resilient Pharco FC side 1-0 in Alexandria on Friday to continue their superb run under veteran coach Jesualdo Ferreira.
Central defender Hossam Abdel-Maguid, one of several young players introduced by Ferreira to fill the gaps left by a transfer ban and the departure of several key players, powered in a header as early as the eighth minute to hand Zamalek a 10th successive win.
Zamalek equaled a club record of most consecutive wins in the premier domestic competition, which they set in the 1987-88 season.
The result was harsh on a brave Pharco side, which only leaked 19 goals so far this season. They came close to equalizing on at least a couple of occasions but Zamalek held on to continue their relentless march towards the title.
Zamalek top the table with 75 points, seven clear of second-placed Pyramids with three matches remaining. The Cairo giants will be crowned champions should they beat Ittihad of Alexandria in Cairo on Tuesday.
Pharco, who are making their top-flight debut, remains eighth in the table with 40 points.
