Zamalek held by Al Ittihad Alexandria after goal glut fails to produce winner

Zamalek began their new Egyptian Premier League campaign with a disappointing goalless draw against Al Ittihad Alexandria, despite both sides creating a series of clear opportunities in the opening-round match.

The White Knights started with considerable attacking intent and repeatedly looked to exploit the right flank, where Omar Gaber was their most influential player. He delivered several accurate crosses into the penalty area, although Oday El Dabbagh was unable to make proper contact with one and another drifted across the box without a team-mate arriving to meet it.

Zamalek came close to taking an early lead when Nasser Mansi sent a fine header narrowly past the post. The same player then missed the clearest opportunity of the first half after Adam Kaied produced an excellent pass to put him through on goal. Mansi, however, sent his effort wide of the target.

The home side continued to waste openings through Ahmed Sherif, who tried his luck several times. One shot was comfortably saved by the goalkeeper, another sailed over the crossbar and a third went narrowly wide.

Al Ittihad Alexandria also posed a threat rather than simply defending. Pascal came close to breaking the deadlock with a powerful strike, but Zamalek goalkeeper Al Mahdi Soliman produced an outstanding save to prevent what appeared to be a certain goal.

The visitors’ goalkeeper Sobhi Soliman then kept his side level by stopping a late first-half chance, ensuring the teams went into the interval with the score still 0-0.

Neither side initially managed to create a serious opening after the restart, although both continued to attack in spells. Zamalek gradually regained control of the contest and Adam Kaied forced Sobhi Soliman into another impressive save with a fierce effort.

Oday El Dabbagh appeared to have a chance to put Zamalek ahead, but the move was stopped for offside.

The match became increasingly open during the closing stages. Zamalek players appealed for a penalty, but their claims did not lead to a spot-kick. Al Ittihad Alexandria then produced the most dangerous moment of the late exchange when their forward rounded Al Mahdi Soliman and looked set to score.

Zamalek defender El Wensh intervened at the crucial moment, clearing the ball from the goal-line and rescuing his side from conceding. A social media post celebrating the intervention carried the caption: “And who else but El Wensh 💪🏹 Zamalek player saves the team from a certain goal on the goal-line.”

Zamalek were denied once more at the other end when Sobhi Soliman made another excellent save, this time to keep out a dangerous attempt from Chico Banza. His performance secured a valuable point for Al Ittihad Alexandria in their opening league fixture, while Zamalek were left to reflect on a missed opportunity after failing to convert a host of chances.

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