Second place pursuers Zamalek surrendered their lead to allow Arab Contractors claim a deserved 1-1 draw in the Egyptian League on Thursday. Shikabala put Zamalek in front early in the first half but a Rami Rabie penalty nine minutes past the hour mark helped Contractors secure a share of spoils. Despite the draw, Zamalek moved into second place on 47 points, ahead of third-placed Al-Gaish on goal difference. Military club Al-Gaish, though, have a game in hand that could give them an advantage in the race to claim the final Champions League qualifying spot. Contractors lie tenth in the table on 28 points, five ahead of the relegation zone with four matches to go. Early Opener Contractors dominated possession in the early stages of the game, but it was Zamalek who made the breakthrough after 11 minutes. A long ball by Mahmoud Fathallah from his own half released Shikabala, who went clear on goal. The talented winger neatly controlled the ball and slotted past Contractors keeper Mohamed Al-Akabawi, who got a hand to the ball but couldn't stop it going into the net. Gamal Hamza squandered a couple of decent opportunities to extend Zamalek's advantage. In the 20th minute, Shikabala raced down the left flank and whipped in a pinpoint cross to the unmarked Hamza, whose right-footed volley flew high over. Hamza wasted another chance seven minutes later when he beat two challengers inside the area before sending a low shot that went just wide of the post. Contractors had the upper hand afterwards and were unlucky to see two free headers from Ramadan Ragab and Mohamed Gamal miss the target. Zamalek almost went to the lockers room two up but a curling free-kick from Mohamed Aboul-Ella five minutes before the break was denied by the crossbar
Shikabala strike wasn't enough for Zamalek Contractors were harshly denied the equalizer 50 seconds after restart. A fierce drive cannoned off the post and went into the path of Ragab, who tapped in into an empty net. However, the linesman raised his offside flag although Television replays showed that Ragab was clearly onside. Zamalek Punished Some needless showboating from Zamalek forwards cost the men in white, who lost their advantage. While clear on goal, Shikabala opted to back-heel to Hamza, whose position didn't help him shoot goalwards. Star striker Amr Zaki, who was introduced instead of the ineffective Sherif Ashraf, also had a clear-cut chance to kill off Contractors hopes. He was picked out by a low cross from the right but the Egypt striker was too slow to react and found no choice but to try to sidestep an approaching defender. The result was logical- Zaki failed to take advantage of a golden chance to double Zamalek's lead. Zamalek's Ahmed Abdul-Raouf replaced Mohamed Aboul-Ella as coach Ruud Krol attempted to regain his side's control in midfield. Aboul-Ella was insulted by his own fans while he was walking towards the bench. He responded by making an obscene gesture towards them. Contractors were awarded a penalty in the 69th minute after Mahmoud Samir was fouled by Mohamed Abdullah. Rabie stepped-up and sent the keeper the wrong way to draw the hosts level.
