Zamalek and Pyramids FC Each Secured a Point in an Electrifying 2-2 Egyptian League Opener at Air Defense Stadium.
Experienced playmaker Abdallah El-Saed kicked off the scoring for Pyramids FC in the 24th minute, granting them an initial advantage.
Nonetheless, Zamalek staged a second-half resurgence, buoyed by the contributions of their substitutes, Nabil Emad and Ibrahim N’Daye.
Emad notched a goal in the 57th minute, swiftly followed by N’Daye’s strike in the 62nd minute, propelling Zamalek into the lead.
Nevertheless, Pyramids FC displayed unwavering resolve, and in the 78th minute, substitute Ramadan Sobhi delivered a breathtaking volley to even the score for the home team.
Zamalek encountered a setback as defender Mahmoud Alaa received two yellow cards, leading to his expulsion in the 80th minute.
Colombian coach Juan Carlos Osorio instigated substantial changes to the Zamalek starting XI, with just two players maintaining their positions from the team’s recent disappointing 2-0 defeat against Arta Solar in the CAF Confederation Cup League.
Conversely, Pyramids FC coach Jaime Pacheco opted for a lineup reminiscent of the one that had a draw against APR in the Champions League.
Pyramids FC asserted their dominance in the first half, showcasing their depth in talent. They claimed the lead courtesy of an exceptional free-kick goal by Abdallah El-Saed.
This goal represented El-Saed’s 123rd goal in the domestic league, elevating him to the fourth position in the all-time top scorers’ chart for the league.
Despite their commanding performance, Pyramids FC squandered chances to widen their lead and secure a win.
During the second half, Osorio’s tactical changes proved effective when Nabil Emad leveled the score with a precisely placed shot from the edge of the area in the 57th minute.
Just five minutes later, Senegalese winger Ibrahim N’Daye put Zamalek ahead with a header.
In response, Pacheco introduced three substitutions to even the score, and their impact was evident as Ramadan Sobhi unleashed a spectacular volley in the 78th minute to secure the equalizer.
Pyramids FC heightened their offensive efforts in the remaining minutes, especially following Mahmoud Alaa’s dismissal. Nonetheless, they couldn’t find the winning goal, resulting in a hard-fought draw for both teams.
