Zamalek were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Ghazl El-Mahalla

Zamalek were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Ghazl El-Mahalla at Suez Stadium on Saturday, missing out on the opportunity to reclaim the top spot in the Egyptian Premier League.

Zamalek were left frustrated after being held 1-1 by Ghazl El-Mahalla in a tense Egyptian Premier League clash at Suez Stadium.

Debutant Ahmed Rabie gave the White Knights a dream start, rising high to nod in Mahmoud Bentayg’s corner in the 39th minute. But the advantage slipped away in the second half when Bentayg was caught in possession, Rached Arfaoui pounced, and Mahmoud Salah tucked home the equaliser on 65 minutes.

It was Zamalek’s eighth draw of the campaign, leaving them stuck on 18 points, level with Masry but second on goal difference. El-Mahalla, meanwhile, climbed to 14th on 11 points.

The Cairo giants bossed possession early but struggled to crack Alaa Abdel Aal’s famously stubborn defence, which had leaked only three goals all season. Rabie’s header from a set piece finally broke the deadlock, yet El-Mahalla’s discipline never wavered.

Yannick Ferrera rolled the dice late, sending on Seifeddine Jaziri and Chico Banza. Banza thought he’d struck the winner in the 75th minute, but his goal was ruled out after the ball had gone out in the build-up. Moments later, Juan Alvina rattled the bar with a thunderous strike.

In the end, El-Mahalla parked the bus with all 11 men behind the ball, digging in to deny Zamalek a winner and snatch a precious away point.