Zamalek dropped another vital two points early in the race for the Egyptian league title after being held to a goalless draw by a steadfast Dakhleya side on Thursday. In a scenario closely similar to last week's scoreless stalemate with Ittihad El-Shorta, Zamalek could not open up a dodged Dakhleya defense despite squandering a host of opportunities as they settled for another disappointing draw. Dakhleya retained top spot of the league table following two wins and two draws, whereas Zamalek now lie 10th on five points, but the latter have a game in hand. Dakhleya keeper thwarts Zamalek Zamalek manager Hossam Hassan started this time with a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Ahmed Eid and Mostafa Fathi coming into a side featuring Khaled Kamar as a lone striker upfront. The Cairo giants were in control outright and the 14th minute saw the lively Fathi break into the area after being superbly released by Eid, before the former's shot was blocked by keeper Ahmed Fawzi who made another stunning save to deny Moemen Zakareya on the rebound. Three minutes later, Zakareya – who was deployed in a deep midfield position alongside Ibrahim Salah – fired a thunderous strike towards goal, only to be thwarted by a defender's head. But the staggering miss of the half belonged to Egypt striker Kamar, who was brilliantly sent through on goal, but again Fawzi rushed out in time to block him. The chance was followed by another shot from winger Fathi who had to see his strike go wide of the post just two minutes later. Zamalek decline, Fathi denied by woodwork The second half was not much of an entertaining affair in terms of goal threat, with Zamalek still in control but unable to pose danger like the first half. It wasn't until the 60th minute when substitute Ahmed Ali, who came on for Eid, headed a corner wide just five minutes after his introduction to signal the first real chance after the break. In an attempt to improve his misfiring side, manager Hassan then introduced Omar Gaber instead of Zakareya four minutes later before Kamar made way for Abdoulaye Cisse. Zamalek remained dictating play but were affected by their attacking midfielders' decline, with Fathi and Hefni looking less active as they used to be in the first period. The White Knights were now playing with two out-and-out strikers in Ali and Cisse, but the duo apparently lacked service from the flanks. The Cairo side maybe needed a set-piece to settle the game into their favor, and an excellently-executed free-kick from Fathi agonizingly hit the woodwork six minutes from time. Meanwhile, Dakhleya were greatly dangerous on the counter - with forward Ahmed Temsah keeping Zamalek's rearguard on their toes with his pace and runs towards goal. A counter-attack saw Temsah play a great through ball to release a through-on-goal forward Ahmed Farrag, who rounded keeper Ahmed El-Shennawi before having a penalty shout turned down by the ref after being allegedly shoved by defender Ali Gabr. Zamalek continued piling on pressure during a five-minute stoppage time, but Dakhleya remained resolute to deny the title contenders another two points that may well prove vital afterwards. (For more sports news and updates, follow AhramOnline Sports on Twitter at@AO_Sportsand on Facebook atAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/112194.aspx
