The Egyptian Premier League match on February 11, 2025, witnessed Zamalek clinching victory over Pharco with a score of 1-0, held at the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria. The match was part of the league's thirteenth round, with Zamalek eager to secure points to stay competitive at the top of the standings.
Kickoff for the game was scheduled at 4:00 PM Cairo time, which was 3:00 PM for Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria, and 5:00 PM for Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. Fans were abuzz with excitement as they anticipated the game's outcome, arriving early to secure their spots and cheer on their teams.
Zamalek's strategy appeared to be strong from the start, with noticeable possession. The team was formed with Mohamed Awad in goal, defended by Mahmoud Bentaigia, Ahmed Hossam, Hossam Abdel-Majid, and Mohamed Shahat. The midfield included Nabil Emad Dounga and Mahmoud Jihad, with Mohamed Hamdi, Sayed Zaziri, and Ahmed Mustafa 'Zizo' at the forefront of their attack.
The match saw Zamalek asserting themselves during the first few minutes, with attempts to break through Pharco's defense, but they struggled to convert opportunities early on. Pharco nearly took the lead at the 19th minute with a threatening shot, but Zamalek's defense held strong.
The dramatic moment came at the 40th minute when Ahmed Jamal of Pharco inadvertantly scored an own goal, handing Zamalek the lead. This fortunate turn of events catalyzed Zamalek's resilient play, pushing for a second goal to solidify their advantage.
The second half was marked by Zamalek seeking to extend their lead, but Pharco responded with pressure to level the score. The match intensified as players began to receive yellow cards; Mahmoud Jihad of Zamalek was sent off at the 84th minute after receiving two yellow cards, placing Zamalek at a disadvantage.
Despite this setback, Zamalek’s defense managed to maintain their composure as they navigated the final moments of the match. Players like Mohamed Awad kept their positions assuredly, preventing Pharco from capitalizing after Jihad's exit from the game.
Throughout the match, Zamalek faced several yellow cards as well; Sayed Zaziri and Mustafa Shalaby were among those cautioned. The match concluded with Zamalek earning three valuable points, reinforcing their position as contenders for league dominance.
Zamalek’s next focus will undoubtedly be on improving their overall performance as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.