Shikabala-less Zamalek held by 10-man El-Entag El-Harby

Zamalek were held to a scoreless draw by El-Entag El-Harby to cut their lead at the top to three points

Without inspirational forward Mahmoud Abdel-Razek ‘Shikabala', Zamalek were locked to a 0-0 stalemate with El-Entag El-Harby on Friday at Cairo Stadium.
Egyptian League leaders Zamalek dominated the game from end to end but with Shikabala sitting in the stands serving a one match ban they lacked imagination in front of the goal.
Coach Hossam Hassan started the game with a 4-4-2 formation pairing Ivorian striker Abou Kone with new Algerian signing Mohamed Aoudia in the front line.
In spite of playing against an all-defensive side, Zamalek had only one clear chance on target when Abou-Kone volleyed from inside the six yards but blasted it over the bar just seconds before the break.
Aoudia could have marked a great debut with the Cairo giants when he was sent clear by Hussein Yasser El-Mohamady only to be denied by in-form keeper Nader Saad.
The hosts kept on pressing and marked a few good efforts by substitutes Mohamed Ibrahim, Ahmed Gaafar and Alaa Ali, but nothing to worry the goalie.
The visitors produced a solid and organised defensive display and had no other option, especially after Ghanaian striker Kwabena Yaro was sent off in the 71stminute.
The game was leveled again when Zamalek midfielder Mohamed Ibrahim picked up his second booking in the dying minutes of the game.
Zamalek remains in the driving seat with 32 points, three ahead of Ismaily and seven in front of Ahly who will play against MCDR on Saturday.