Zamalek delivered another solid performance on Thursday, beating Pyramids FC 2-0 and securing second place in the Egyptian Premier League table. The Whites now have 48 points, three ahead of Pyramids, in their battle to finish in the top two places to secure a place in next season's Champions League. Runaway leaders Ahly are on 62 points, making it likely just a matter of time before they are named champions for the 42nd time in the club's history. Zamalek's Mostafa Mohamed pounced on a mistake by Pyramids FC keeper El Mahdi Soliman to give Zamalek the lead in the 40th minute, while Congolese striker Kabongo Kasongo scored the second in the 81st minute. Zamalek had a golden opportunity in the third minute when Mohamed went clear on goal, but his chip ball over the keeper was cleared from the goal line by Ali Gabr. After that early threat, Pyramids appeared to have regained their momentum, but they couldn't make their domination pay. Burkinabe striker Eric Traore missed the goal after being clear on target, and again with a header when he appeared unmarked from close range. The Whites upped their game in the latter part of the first half and got the best of it when Mohamed scored from inside the six yards after a poor effort from keeper Soliman, who let a low cross from Ashraf Bencharki slip from his hands. Zamalek could have doubled their lead before the break but Bencharki's powerful shot hit the crossbar. Pyramids FC were back on attack after the interval and they were denied the equalizer when the post rejected Ibrahim Adel's shot. Zamalek defended deep to protect their lead as Pyramids FC struggled to create any danger on keeper Mohamed Abou Gabal. Mohamed Farouk wasted a golden opportunity when he squandered a penalty kick in the 77th minute which he was awarded following a VAR review. They were immediately punished for their lack of efficiency when second-half substitute Kasongo latched onto a long pass from Youssef "Obama" Ibrahim to go clear on goal, round the keeper who got out of his area, and score in the empty net to secure the full points for the game. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
