Petrojet spurned an opportunity to move to within one point of Egyptian Premier League leaders Ahli after being held to a goalless draw by ENPPI on Saturday. Mokhtar Mokhtar's side remained second in the table with 25 points, three behind Ahli who have a chance to extend their lead if they beat fierce rivals Ismaili on Saturday. Petrojet could have even lost the game in the latter stages when defender Karim Zekri had to play as a goalkeeper after guardian Ahmed Fawzi was sent off with all three substitutions made. Fawzi was handed a straight red card when he needlessly rushed out of his goal and allegedly fouled ENPPI's Ivorian striker Zeka Goore just outside the box. Former Zamalek defender Zekri stood between the sticks and did not disappoint, blocking the ensuing free-kick and keeping a clean sheet in stoppage time. Petrojet, who missed the league's top scorer Eric Bekoe due to injury, were guilty of missing several chances to find the net, including a close-range header from Egyptian international striker Al-Sayed Hamdi.
Surprising defeat for Gaish Hamdi also had a second-half goal ruled out for an apparent offside, with TV replays being inconclusive over whether the referee's decision was correct. ENPPI, on the other hand, relied on Zeka Goore and his striker partner Ahmed Raouf to deliver but neither impressed. Gaish, who started the day level on points with Petrojet, failed to close the gap on Ahli after slumping to a surprising 1-0 defeat to an inconsistent Ghazl Mahalla side. Defender Emad Osman scored what proved to be the winner after four minutes to end Gaish's seven-match winless streak. Mohamed Al-Etrawi should have extended their lead but wasted a penalty on 33 minutes. Gaish's in-form Ghanaian striker Ernest Papa Arko also saw a spot kick saved by Mahalla keeper Ibrahim Farag shortly after the break. Farouk Gaafar's side are now third in the table with 24 points while Mahalla moved up to sixth on 17 points.
