Zamalek blew the league race wide open after holding arch-rivals Ahli to a goalless draw in the Cairo derby at Military Academy Stadium on Thursday. Ahli, who still have a game in hand, failed to leapfrog competitors Ismaili into the table's top spot. Ismaili have 54 points, one clear of second-placed Ahli, who aim to win a fifth consecutive Egyptian Premier League title. Another slip up by Ahli in their remaining four games would give Ismaili, who will play three matches, the chance to finish level on points with their rivals to leave open the possibility of a play-off to determine the winners. Emam Menace Neither side managed to break the deadlock in a lively first half. Zamalek, who played without a natural playmaker, relied on the pacey runs of wingers Hazem Emam and Sabri Rahil. The menace of Zamalek's diminutive right-back Emam in particular caused Ahli defense all sorts of problems. The 20-year-old could have given the White Knights a surprising lead after five minutes. He darted down the right flank, superbly tricked three challengers but his shot from a tight angle was blocked by Ahli's Palestinian keeper Ramzi Saleh. Ahli responded after 11 minutes and were unlucky not to break the deadlock. Flavio's flicked header found Mohamed Abou-Treika inside the area and the classy playmaker drilled a low shot that struck the post. Another surge by Emam unsettled Ahli's defense on 26 minutes as he stole possession near the byline after capitalizing on Gilberto's hesitation to clear the danger. Emam then pulled the ball back to midfielder Hani Saied, whose mis-hit kick prevented Zamalek from taking the lead.
An altercation between Emam and Ahli's veteran midfielder Ahmed Hassan marked the end of an interesting first period. Wasteful Ashraf Zamalek were the better side in the second period but were not helped by Sherif Ashraf's inability to finish off their attacking attempts. The in-form striker, who came through Ahli's youth ranks, robbed sweeper Mohamed Samir inside the area 11 minutes after the restart but his tame shot was collected by Saleh. He also had a chance nine minutes later when he was fed by Rahil's low cross but his shot on the turn missed the target. Ahli coach Manuel Jose introduced full-backs Sayed Moawad and Ahmed Sedik instead of Gilberto and Ahmed Fathi respectively and the substitutions breathed life into the team's lethargic display. However, the Red Devils were still unable to create clear-cut opportunities. Zamalek midfielder Ahmed Abdul-Raouf had a late chance to score a decisive goal when he raced into the area unopposed but his effort hit the side-netting. Read also: FilGoal.com Players Rating for Cairo Derby How Decastel outclassed Jose Ahli still have upper hand, says Al-Badri Zamalek will not relax against Ismaili, says Al-Sheshini Hassan plays down importance of Emam clash
