Zamalek have managed a 2-1 victory over a 10-man Gaish to book their place in the Egypt Cup final. The Whites took the lead through two first-half goals from Ahmed Gaafar and Hazem Emam before ex-MCDR playmaker Ayman Hefni pulled one back minutes after the break. Outsiders Gaish, however, had no chance of coming back after midfielder Ainesa Hassan was sent off for two bookable offenses in the second half. Twenty-one-time cup champions Zamalek now meet Wadi Degla, who sprang a surprise by beating Ismaili on penalties, in the final on November 9 behind closed doors. Zamalek double Zamalek were in front in as early as the second minute when a Shikabala's headed-lay-off was controlled by Gaafar inside the box before sliding past the keeper. Gaish, however, almost replied six minutes from the break but midfielder Islam Gamal was unlucky to see his superb strike bounce off the crossbar. At the time the military outfit were hopeful of pulling level, fullback Emam doubled his side's advantage with the outside of his boot following a slick Ahmed Eid pass. Just three minutes into the second half, Gaish made sure the game wasn't over yet, with skillful forward Ayman Hefni drilling a low shot from outside the area that beat veteran keeper Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed. Despite the 65th minute dismissal of Gaish midfielder Ainesa, Zamalek failed to convert several certain chances but managed to claim the win and march to the cup final.
