A host of wasted goalscoring chances could not prevent Zamalek from claiming their 10th Egyptian Premier League victory in their last 11 games after defeating Military Production 2-0 on Wednesday. The White Knights could have secured an emphatic victory over an in-form Production side but could not convert numerous opportunities throughout the match. They managed to claim all three points though via a goal from attacking midfielder Hussein Yasser and a penalty from central defender Mahmoud Fathallah either side of the interval. The home fans repeatedly chanted the name of Zamalek's regular keeper Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed, who said he was annoyed by reports linking the club with a move for Egypt and Ismaili guardian Essam Al-Hadari. Zamalek cemented their second place and kept alive their slim hopes of launching a late assault on the league title. They are three points behind leaders Ahli, who played two games less than their arch-rivals. Production, who earn plaudits for their fine run in their first season in the top flight, remain fifth with 34 points from 23 matches. Upper Hand Production had the upper hand in the opening exchanges, capitalizing on some unusual poor marking from Zamalek defenders. Former Zamalek midfielder Mohamed Aboul-Ella dived to head a right-wing cross just wide of the post after 13 minutes before striker Sameh Adrous rattled the crossbar with a fierce shot.
Adrous' strike partner Abou Kone, who is expected to join Zamalek next season, also posed a threat for the home side who are in the lookout for a reliable frontman to make up for the departure of Amr Zaki and Mido. The Cairo side then took full control, thanks to the tireless efforts of Yasser, who played alongside Shikabala to support lone striker Ahmed Gaafar. The Egyptian-born Qatari, who joined Zamalek in January after a disappointing spell at Ahli, repaid coach Hossam Hassan's faith with a superb performance. He burst into the box and overcame his challengers with neat tricks on several occasions during the first half but his final touches were not so accurate. He made amends for a number of wasted opportunities in the 35th minute when he stepped inside his marker on the edge of the area and beat below-par keeper Mostafa Kamal with a low shot at his near post. Zamalek were also the dominant side in the second half, with Production defenders unable to stop a wave of attacks. Gaafar squandered a glorious opportunity to double Zamalek's advantage in the 47th minute. Shikabala raced onto the area and outpaced his marker before squaring the ball for Gaafar, who mis-hit his kick with the goal gaping. Defensive midfielder Hassan Mostafa was also thwarted by keeper Kamal when clean through three minutes later. Fathallah put the result beyond doubt in the 73rd minute when he found the top corner with a powerful drive after the referee awarded Zamalek a penalty for a foul on midfielder Hossam Arafat.
