Published Date: 2025-05-09 16:44:47 Updated At: 2025-05-13 17:28:40

In one of the most thrilling matches of the league, a dramatic draw marked the encounter between Zamalek and Ceramica Cleopatra, held as part of the fifth round of the championship phase in the ongoing 2024–2025 Premier League season. The match, played at Arab Contractors Stadium, was filled with excitement and tactical twists, as both teams took turns dominating the game, with several standout performances from players on both sides.

Zamalek entered the match with strong ambitions to improve their position on the league table and close the gap with the leaders, while Ceramica Cleopatra aimed to make a statement and secure a positive result to boost their chances of climbing into the top spots. From the very first minute, both teams displayed clear attacking intent—Zamalek applied high pressure and looked to exploit defensive errors, while Ceramica relied on well-organized counterattacks.

The match's first goal came in the 15th minute through Nasser Mansi, who capitalized on a catastrophic mistake by Ceramica goalkeeper Mohamed Bassam. Bassam tried to dribble past the Zamalek striker inside his own box, but Mansi stole the ball and calmly slotted it into the net, leaving the Ceramica defense stunned.

The following minutes saw both sides pushing to extend or equalize the score, but their efforts lacked precision in the final touch. In the 63rd minute, Ceramica Cleopatra managed to level the score through a brilliant team play initiated by Mohamed Reda Bobo, who sent a sublime pass to Islam Issa. Issa finished with finesse, reigniting the intensity of the match.

Zamalek responded swiftly—just seven minutes later, they regained the lead with a superb goal by Algerian striker Seifeddine Jaziri. He latched onto a precise pass from Nabil Emad Donga and fired the ball past Mohamed Bassam, sending the Zamalek fans into celebration.

But the football drama wasn't over yet. Ceramica Cleopatra intensified their pressure in the final minutes, desperately seeking a valuable point. The decisive moment came in the 94th minute of stoppage time when Ahmed Belhadj rose to meet a cross and headed the ball powerfully into the net past Zamalek keeper Mohamed Sobhi, securing a dramatic late equalizer amid wild celebrations from Ceramica’s players and supporters.

This late goal brought Ceramica back into the competitive race and earned them a precious point against one of the league's giants. On the other hand, Zamalek players were left disappointed, having come so close to a crucial win only to lose two vital points due to a lapse in concentration at the end.

The match featured outstanding individual performances, notably Nasser Mansi’s continued goal-scoring form, alongside Seifeddine Jaziri’s impactful presence up front. On Ceramica’s side, Islam Issa was undoubtedly the star of the second half, repeatedly unsettling Zamalek’s defense, while Ahmed Belhadj stole the spotlight with his clutch goal in the dying moments.

As for the lineups, Zamalek started with Mohamed Sobhi in goal, with a defense line of Omar Gaber, Salah Masadek, Hossam Abdelmaguid, and Mahmoud Bintayej. The midfield featured Abdallah El-Said, Nabil Emad Donga, Seif Gaafar, and Nasser Maher, while the attack was led by Mostafa Shalaby and Nasser Mansi. Ceramica started with Mohamed Bassam in goal, a defensive line of Ahmed Hany, Ragab Nabil, Béké M., and Mohamed Shokry, a midfield of Mohamed Reda Bobo, Islam Issa, Mohamed Adel, Mohamed Toni, and Fakry Lakay, with Marwan Othman leading the attack.

With this result, Zamalek raised their tally to 41 points, remaining in third place, while Ceramica Cleopatra climbed to 31 points in sixth place. Although the gap with the league leaders remains sizable, Zamalek still has a chance to close it in the coming rounds—provided they return to winning ways quickly.

The upcoming fixtures promise more excitement and fierce competition among teams vying for top positions, especially since the points gap remains bridgeable. This opens the door to many potential scenarios that could shift the balance of the championship at any moment.

Both teams delivered a rich football spectacle—full of goals, chances, excitement, and competitiveness—making this clash one of the most captivating matches of the season. It reaffirms the Premier League's status as one of the strongest Arab leagues in terms of technical level and close competition among clubs.

Zamalek will now work on quickly correcting their defensive mistakes, while Ceramica Cleopatra will seek to build on this major morale boost as they continue their campaign with renewed confidence. The next round brings fresh challenges for both teams, and fans are undoubtedly in for more thrilling action.