Zamalek's victory over Ismaili was somewhat fluke but it still turned out to be worthier than the mere three points awarded to the winners, with the possibility of a first league triumph in six years becoming clearer. The 3-2 win was a hard-fought one over a stubborn opponent in Ismaili, who packed their midfield and defense in the first half before opting for courageous forays after the break. Zamalek only claimed victory after central defender Moatasem Salem turned a cross by dazzling forward Shikabala into his own net on the hour mark before shaking his head in disbelief after letting his side down in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Cairo Stadium. When the referee blew his final whistle, scenes of jubilation erupted which suggested that the victory was regarded higher than expected, thanks to a new sense of competition coach Hossam Hassan instilled in his team. Zamalek have been overshadowed by arch-rivals Ahli and several other sides since winning the last of their 11 league titles in 2004, failing to mount a genuine title challenge during that period. But they are on now on top of the 16-team league table with 21 points from 10 games, three ahead of defending champions Ahli who have two matches in hand. "We beat one of our direct competitors, and such a win over a big club strengthened our title belief," Zamalek skipper and goalkeeper Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed, who was one of the team's few consistent performers during a barren run, said. "Coach Hassan stressed that we should overcome our title challengers to be able to win the league this season.
Hossam Hassan shoulders Zamalek hopes "I picked up an injury during the match but I had to carry on for the sake of Zamalek's fans." Zamalek's enthusiastic supporters, who created a boisterous atmosphere at Cairo Stadium, chanted the name of Hossam Hassan and called on him to achieve the success that eluded his predecessors in recent years. Hassan was a prolific striker in his 30s when Zamalek last won the league after wrapping up the title with four games to spare in a memorable campaign that saw them beat Ahli twice. Youth Vitality Hassan, Egypt's all-time leading scorer, put his faith in several youngsters and they repaid him with an assured display against Ismaili, who entered Wednesday's game on the back of a seven-match unbeaten run against Zamalek. The youth vitality was evident as Ismaili's experienced defenders Shadi Mohamed and Salem hardly coped with the new fast-paced nature of Zamalek's game. Right-back Omar Gaber, 18, left the under-fire Ahmed Ghanem with an uphill climb to regain his place in the starting line up after producing a solid performance. Attacking midfielder Mohamed Ibrahim, also 18, was introduced in the second half to stake his claim for a primary role with a convincing performance, causing menace for defenders and continuously retreating into his own half to fulfill his defensive duties.
Shikabala (R) keeps impressing The promising players were guided by in-form wizard Shikabala, who Zamalek are eagerly aiming to keep despite their mounting financial crisis which is still hanging over their head. The 24-year-old scored a superb goal and sent in the cross which ruffled Salem, taking his tally to five league goals this season. "This win is the perfect gift to Zamalek fans before Al-Adha feast," Hassan, who took over at the White Knights in the second half of last year, said. "The fans will now go home happily on the eve of the feast, unlike past seasons," he added, referring to Zamalek's recurring losses against unfancied teams during that stage every year. Zamalek's title credentials will be sternly tested when they meet Ahli in an eagerly-awaited Cairo derby, which was initially scheduled for November 26 but was postponed because it will clash with the Egyptian parliamentary elections. Hassan is yet to defeat the club where he enjoyed his heyday in the 1990s as Zamalek drew twice and lost once against Ahli in three meetings last season. Only a win over the Red Devils can end any doubts that Zamalek are capable of ending their league drought.
