Zamalek defeated Pyramids FC 2-0 in a league game at Cairo Stadium on Thursday, regaining their winning rhythm in the domestic league and handing Pyramids FC their first league defeat this season. Striker Moustafa Mohamed opened the scoring in the 53rd minute while defender Mahmoud Alaa converted a penalty to double the lead in the 79th minute. Zamalek's win is the first in the Egyptian league under the guidance of French coach Patrice Carteron, who took over after Serbian tactician Milutin ‘Micho' Sredojevic's departure last month. Thursday's win helped Zamalek advance into the fourth place with 13 points, three points behind leaders Arab Contractors, who played one match more. Opportunities were few in the first half as both sides were cautious, opting for controlling the midfield without making any threat. The first threat came in the 30th minute, with Zamalek winger Ahmed 'Zizo' El-Sayed sending a powerful shot from the edge of the area, but his effort was easily contained by Pyramids' keeper Ahmed El-Shennawi. Two minutes later, El-Shennawi blocked another shot from veteran full-back Mohamed Abdel-Shafi, who made a great effort on the left flank. Zamalek made its first substitution just after the break, when Moroccan winger Mohamed Ounajem replaced injured winger Zizo. Eight minutes later, striker Moustafa Mohamed met a pinpoint cross from Ounajem with a nice header to fire home. Pyramids FC coach Sebastian Desabre made a double substitution in order to intensify his offense, introducing veteran playmaker Abdallah El-Saed and Ghanaian striker John Antwi at the expense of winger Islam Issa and fullback Ahmed Mansour respectively. Antwi had the chance to level the score but his header in the hour-mark went wide. Moroccan forward Achraf Bencharki had a chance to double the lead for the White Knights but his powerful shot was blocked by the Pyramids' keeper in the 74th minute. Five minutes later, the Moroccan forward gained a penalty converted by specialist Mahmoud Alaa, who netted his second goal this season. Zamalek were content with their double lead, preventing the visitors from making any threat during the remaining 10 minutes. Zamalek will face Talae El-Geish on Monday. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
