Zamalek cruised to a 3-1 victory over Arab Contractors in the Egyptian league as Egypt skipper Ahmed Hassan bagged a brace for the Whites. Veteran Hassan scored twice at either side of the interval on 20 and 52 minutes before full-back Ahmed Samir assured the victory late in the second half. Right back Bassem Ali netted the hosts' sole goal eight minutes from the end of the first-half. Zamalek had to play with ten men 11 minutes from the end of regular time as youngster Ahmed Tawfik received his marching orders for two bookable offences. Hassan Shehata's team move to fifth in the league table with 13 points, three adrift of leaders Harras Hodoud but the former still have a game in hand. Contactors are 16th on three. Changes and controversial penalty It was Zamalek's first game following the unrest that saw striker Amr Zaki and full back Hazem Emam file complaints against the club due to unpaid wages, forcing Shehata to make some changes. The starting line-up witnessed the introduction of fit-again defender Hani Saied instead of Mahmoud Fathallah, with Sabri Rahil deputizing for the injured Mohamed Abdul-Shafi on the left. Shehata started with a lone striker in Ahmed Gaafar in front of Shikabala and Hassan, while Razak Omotoyossi was benched alongside Hussein Hamdi. Newly-signed Saied Mohamed ‘Otta' made his debut appearance after being introduced late in the second half. An eventless first half did not witness much of clear-cut chances for both sides as the Whites piled up pressure outright in search of the opener but were thwarted by their resilient opponents.
Zamalek fans lit fireworks The first real chance fell to Mohamed Salah as the Egypt U-23 star struck straight into the keeper's hands before a moment of controversy saw playmaker Shikabala earn a dubious penalty after falling inside the area with the slightest of touches from midfielder Mohamed Adel. Hassan notched home the ensuing spot kick despite the keeper diving in the same direction for Zamalek's first of the day. Contractors tightened their grip on midfield with their opponents turning out complacent after taking the lead until the Mountain Wolves' pressure paid off in the 37th minute. Full-back Ali latched on a silky Alaa Kamal long pass after beating Rahil to the ball inside the area to slot home past Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed. Hassan strikes again Zamalek were by far the better side in the second half with manager Shehata inducing some changes by moving Shikabala to the left and Omar Gaber to the right. The Master's ploy paid dividends as his side dictated play early in the second half and were rewarded after just six minutes, thanks to Hassan who stole the show once again. The Egypt skipper beat his marker to head home a deft Shikabala long pass inside the area taking his tally to six goals in as many league games. Striker Gaafar was replaced by Omotoyossi shortly after seeing his half-volley palmed by the keeper, while midfielder Ahmed Al-Merghani blasted high after going one-on-one with the keeper. Despite Tawfik's sending off, Samir wrapped up the win late in the second half when he slid home at the near post after breaking clear of defense as the home side looked unable to make the most of their numerical advantage to a slump to a 3-1 defeat. As the FA looks set to tone down sanctions on using fireworks, Zamalek fans felt free to celebrate the victory by lighting canisters.
