Zamalek extended their lead at the top of the Egyptian Premier League with a 4-1 victory on Monday against debutant National Bank of Egypt (NBE) club. An opening goal from Youssef "Obama" Ibrahim after just seven minutes and a brace from Moroccan forward Hamid Ahadad sealed a comfortable first half lead. Assem Salah pulled one back in the 68th minute but Ahmed "Zizo" Sayed had the final say with a penalty in the 98th minute. The Whites have now 39 points, six ahead of second-placed Ahly who have played three games less. Zamalek had a blistering start of the game grabbing an early lead when Tunisian midfielder Ferjani Sassi intercepted the ball in midfield, fed Ahadad on the right-hand side of the area whose low cross was turned in by Obama from point blank. NBE club were again hit on the counter when Abdallah Gomaa raced on to a pass from Achraf Bencharki to cross it in the box for Ahadad who headed in from inside the six yards in the 18th minute. The Whites maintained their pressure against their opponents who struggled to control the pace and fluidity of Zamalek's attacker especially Bencharki, Zizo and Obama who squandered some easy chances to increase the score line. Ahadad grabbed his second of the night after converting a Bencharki cross from close range to make it 3-0 two minutes before the break. VAR controversy Zamalek were denied an early penalty in the second half after Salah had deflected a shot from Obama following a VAR review. In the 68th minute, the visitors were awarded a penalty after VAR check as Tunisian forward Seifeddin Jaziri fouled Ahmed Yasser in the box. Salah converted the spot kick. Once again VAR came at the centre stage to signal a possible red card for Mohamed Bassiouni following a harsh tackle on Zamalek's midfielder Tarek Hamed in the 78th minute. Zamalek controlled possession but seemed content with the result. Despite coach Patrice Carteron bringing some fresh faces none of them could make a difference. But there was room for one last VAR decision as the Zizo was awarded a late penalty to score a fourth goal deep in injury time. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
