Zamalek have dropped to ninth spot after being condemned to a 1-0 loss by an injury-hit Ismaili side on Tuesday in the Egyptian Premier League. The White Knights once again put in a lackluster performance after the first-half dismissal of sweeper Hani Saied, to slump to their third defeat this season, their second under Henri Michel. There were other disappointments for Zamalek apart from the defeat, as playmaker Shikabala had a post-match temper tantrum. The 23-year-old appeared to be swearing in rage at the angry Zamalek fans after the game at Military Academy Stadium, while his teammates were restraining him. The Cairo club are now considering handing Shikabala an indefinite suspension as well as a EGP 60,000 fine for his misconduct. On top of that, head coach Michel staggeringly revealed that winning the Egyptian Premier League title was never one of his main objectives this season. "I did not promise the club's board of directors that I will steer Zamalek to the league title this season," a frank Michel told a news conference. "My main objective is to build a good Zamalek team who can compete for honors." Early this season, many of Zamalek's fans were quite confident that their team would finally end their lengthy league drought, after signing several stars in the close season. But Michel's statements indicates that the 11-time Egyptian champions could well suffer another trophyless season. Three-point Lead Defending champions Ahli maintained their three-point lead on top of the table after registering a hard-fought win over a stubborn Asyut Petroleum side on Wednesday.
Abou-Treika The Red Devils were evidently misfiring, as they squandered a host of clear-cut scoring chances before Mohamed Abou-Treika notched a praiseworthy winner 13 minutes from time. Hossam Al-Badri's side could have paid for the wastefulness of Hani Al-Egeizi, who clearly lacked the necessary cutting-edge and failed to impress in the absence of suspended striker Francis Doe. Al-Egeizi made way for Fadl after the break, but the latter also couldn't deliver the goods. The former Ismaili man, who was sidelined over the past weeks with a niggling injury, was released by a deft pass from Ahmed Hassan but his shot was straight into the body of the keeper. Back in Contention Petrojet got back to winning ways by defeating Ghazl Mahalla 3-1 away, to share second place with Ismaili. The Petroleum side lost 1-0 to Gouna and drew 2-2 with Military Production in their previous couple of matches, but now they are back in contention. Top-flight newcomers Production scored their second Egyptian Premier League victory after battering Arab Contractors 3-1 to go fifth. Gaish built on their last week's 1-0 win over Zamalek and sank beleaguered Masri 3-1 to advance to fourth place. Gouna widened Ittihad's misery and hand them a 2-1 defeat. The Alexandrians remain at the bottom with a single point after five defeats and a draw. ENPPI were boosted by Sunday's emphatic 3-1 win over ES Setif in the CAF Confederation Cup, even so, they were held to a goalless draw by Police Union and now they are languishing in 10th place. Harras Hodoud alleviated their African woes after marking their return to league action with a 2-1 home victory over Mansoura. Hodoud were ousted from the Confederation Cup after losing 2-0 to Bayelsa United earlier this month.
