Zamalek showcased their strength with a commanding 5-1 triumph over Smouha in the Egyptian Premier League.
With their second league victory, The Whites have surged to the third spot on the table, amassing eight points. Meanwhile, Smouha closely follows in fourth place with seven points.
Zamalek wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Mostafa Shalaby breaking the deadlock a mere three minutes into the match, capitalizing on a precise cross from Omar Gaber.
Ahmed “Zizo” El Sayed further extended Zamalek’s advantage in the 13th minute, elegantly guiding the ball into the net with his knee, thanks to a brilliant assist from Shalaby.
Youssef Ibrahim, who was in exceptional form, significantly contributed to Zamalek’s dominant performance with a third goal just moments before halftime. Engaging in an impressive display alongside the captain, Mahmoud “Shikabala” Abdel-Razek, within the penalty area, Ibrahim skillfully converted Shikabala’s heel assist using his own heel, showcasing remarkable ball control.
At the beginning of the second half, Smouha missed a clear scoring opportunity when Zamalek’s goalkeeper, Mohamed Sobhy, made a crucial save, deflecting the ball for a corner kick, denying Hossam Hassan a chance to score.
Smouha managed to salvage some dignity with the help of substitute forward Fady Farid, who skillfully converted an excellent left-sided cross with a headed goal.
Nonetheless, Zamalek swiftly reestablished their supremacy when substitute Tunisian striker Seifeddine Jaziri secured the fourth goal for his team, just nine minutes before the final whistle. Jaziri showcased his sharp striking instincts by closely following Shikabala’s shot, which hit the crossbar, and tapping the ball into the net.
In the closing moments of the match, Shikabala added the finishing touch with an impressive strike in the 90th minute, sealing the most significant result of the season thus far.
This remarkable victory underscores Zamalek’s determination to regain stability after the appointment of a new board on Friday, with Hussien Labib, a former handball international, leading the club into a new era set to extend until 2027.
Zamalek had initially faced challenges at the start of the current league campaign, settling for draws in matches against Pyramids FC and Arab Contractors.
