Defender Mohamed Ismail opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a powerful finish. The goal came after a well-worked move involving Moroccan full-back Mahmoud Bentayg, who delivered a dangerous ball into the box. Ismail reacted sharply and drove the ball past former Zamalek goalkeeper Mahmoud “Genesh” Abdelrahim to give the White Knights an early lead.
Abu Qir Fertilizers responded positively and nearly equalised two minutes later when Youssef Hamdi found space inside the penalty area, but Zamalek goalkeeper Mahdi Soliman produced an excellent save to preserve the lead. The visitors continued to threaten at times, enjoying slightly more possession and creating several half-chances, yet they lacked the clinical edge required to trouble the home side further.
The result took Zamalek to 10 points from four matches (three wins and one draw), placing them temporarily at the summit of the table. Both Pyramids FC and Al Ahly sat on nine points after three games each and had the opportunity to overtake the White Knights depending on their results in the remaining Matchday 4 fixtures.
Abu Qir Fertilizers remained on three points and continued to occupy a place near the bottom of the standings. Despite the defeat, the newly promoted side showed organisation and occasional threat, particularly after the interval.
Zamalek will now turn their attention to continental competition. They host Port of Djibouti on Saturday in the second leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary-round tie, holding a 2-1 advantage from the first leg. League action resumes the following week when they travel to face Ghazl El Mahalla.
