Ten-man Zamalek kicked off their Egyptian League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Ghazl Mahalla, but the match was marred by a scuffle between two of their own players. An own goal by Amr Ramadan in the first half gave Zamalek the lead before Mahmoud Fathallah ensured the win few minutes after restart. But Zamalek played with ten men in the second half due to the dismissal of Brazilian full-back Ricardo Alves, who had a disgraceful quarrel with teammate Gamal Hamza. The win is Zamalek's first in a league opener since the 2004/2005 season. Own Goal Giant striker Saied Rabie wasted a glorious opportunity to put Mahalla ahead after three minutes. Zamalek defender Amr Al-Safti tried to clear the danger from his own box but he instead fed Rabie, who blasted wide from eight yards out. Mahalla were made to pay for the miss in the 10th minute when Ramadan headed Ricardo's right-wing free kick into his own net. The hosts then pushed forward, searching for the equalizer. They were largely helped by Mohsen Hendawi's energetic run down the right flank. Hendawi, who was linked with a move to Zamalek in the close season, not only contributed to his side's attacking attempts but also denied the Whites a certain goal.
In the 27th minute, Mostafa Gaafar latched onto a deft through pass from Ricardo before rounding Mahalla's Cameroonian keeper Iboon Massenga. However, Hendawi came to Mahalla's rescue after blocking Gaafar's goal-bound shot with his chest. Mahalla were unlucky not to equalize five minutes before the break when Saied's fierce drive from inside the area rattled the bar. Ugly Scene Zamalek had to play the second half with ten men due to their own players' faults. Hamza engaged in a brawl with Ricardo for unknown reasons. Hamza, known for being a temperamental forward, slapped Ricardo and the latter responded in the same manner. Zamalek captain Ayman Abdul-Aziz intervened along with his teammates to separate the duo. Ricardo was sent off by referee Essam Abdul-Fattah while Zamalek coach Reiner Hollmann introduced Alaa Kamal instead of Hamza. Kamal, who joined Zamalek from Arab Contractors, made a quick impact as he set-up Fathallah for Zamalek's second goal in the 48th minute. His pinpoint cross found Fathallah, who dived at the near post to head home past Massenga. Mahalla failed to capitalize on their numerical advantage as Zamalek held onto their two-goal cushion to claim the victory.
