CAIRO - Zamalek produced a gutsy performance and came back from a goal down to beat Harras Hodoud 2-1 in the Egyptian Premier League in Cairo Thursday night, despite playing for most of the game with a man down. A wonder goal by Mohamed el-Herda, his first in three years, gave Hodoud an early lead, but Ahmed Gaafar equalized for Zamalek before half time. The equalising goal was followed by a red card to Zamalek defender Amr el-Safti, but the ten-man Whites were lifted by a late strike from Ashour el-Adham. Zamalek claim their 35th to remain on top, while cup champions Hodoud slip to 12th on 17 points, just two off the relegation zone. The victory is Zamalek's first over Hodoud in over three years. The Zamalek line-up included a number of significant changes, most notably the transfer of the captain's armband from Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed to debutant Ahmed Samir, who returned to the club in January. Mido, another January returnee, was ruled out despite being included in the match squad after Zamalek found out that his registration was not completed on time.
