On the evening of March 4, 2025, at 11:00 PM Abu Dhabi time, Egypt's Zamalek football team clashed with Enppi, marking the 17th round of the Egyptian Premier League at the Osman Ahmed Osman Stadium. Zamalek entered the game missing several key players due to injuries, suspensions, and tactical adjustments, which raised concerns about their performance.
Notably absent from the Zamalek lineup were star players including Ahmed Mostafa Zizo, Mohamed Shahrat, and Mahmoud Abdel-Razek Shikabala, among others, due to various reasons. Zizo was sidelined due to suspension from accumulated yellow cards, Shahrat for being sent off during the previous match against Zed, and Shikabala along with Mohamed Abdel-Shafy lacked match fitness. Ahmed Hamdy was still recovering from ACL surgery, Hamza Mathlouthi was also undergoing rehabilitation, and Mahmoud Jihad faced challenges with his muscle condition.
Despite these setbacks, Zamalek demonstrated resilience and talent, securing a 3-0 victory against Enppi. The team, who secured the third position with 32 points after 17 matches—boasting 9 wins, 5 draws, and 3 losses—proved they could overcome adversity.
Abdullah Al-Saeed initiated the scoring for Zamalek in the 53rd minute with a well-placed penalty kick. The lead was solidified by Nasser Mansi, who skillfully converted a cross from Bentieg, headlining the second goal just 14 minutes later. Al-Saeed capped the night off by netting his second goal and Zamalek's third during stoppage time, resulting from another precise set-up from teammates.
Following this victory, Zamalek occupies third place on the league table, intensifying the competition at the top as they tighten the race for the championship. Meanwhile, Enppi remains rooted at the bottom of the league table, now holding just 12 points after suffering their 8th loss of the season. Enppi has recorded only 2 wins and 6 draws across 17 matches, prompting concerns over their prospects for remaining competitive within the league.
During the match, Zamalek substitute Ahmed El-Gendy suffered a concerning injury early on. He was substituted out of the game after feeling pain in his posterior muscle just 28 minutes in, indicating the physical strain teams are continually facing this season. Preliminary assessments suggest strain to the rear muscle, and the young player's recovery will be closely monitored with scans scheduled post-match to determine the extent and timeframe for his return.
This match also marked the first victory under the guidance of Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, who celebrated relief after enduring three consecutive draws against Betrouch, Al Ahly, and Zed. The victory was particularly significant, as it demonstrated Peseiro's ability to guide Zamalek past the obstacles stifling their momentum previously.
With this win, Zamalek continues to exert pressure on rival teams occupying the top of the table. Fans and analysts alike are left wondering if Zamalek can maintain this performance level moving forward as they vie for the premier spot.
Looking forward, Zamalek's next clash has observers anxious to witness their capability to build on this much-needed morale boost against Enppi. Those who follow the Egyptian Premier League are bracing for subsequent matches to see if Zamalek can turn their momentum around whilst hoping for Enppi to rectify their strategy and regain competitive ground.