Saved by Ali
A brilliant header by Abdel-Halim Ali kept Zamalek's perfect record intact. Eric Asmougha reports
Defending champions and current league leaders Zamalek narrowly escaped from what would have been an embarrassing draw with bottom of the table Baladia, coming away with the full three points to extend their lead in the Egyptian Premiership after seven matches.
Zamalek continue to head the league table with a perfect 21 points from seven matches. ENPPI, the oil company team who are in only their second season in the league, are second with 18 points while a rejuvenated Ittihad are third with 17. Sawahel, or the Border Guards, and Misri of Port Said have 13 points each while Tersana, Ismaili and Mehalla have 11 points apiece. Ismaili still have three outstanding matches to play. All were postponed due to their continental and Arab cup commitments. Ahli, selected the best African team of the 20th century, are languishing in a most unusual ninth place with just 10 points and a game in hand. Baladia, with just three points, suffered their sixth straight loss after winning their opening game.
Zamalek's blushes were saved in the 80th minute when Abdel-Halim Ali latched on to a cross and fired a bullet-like header to make up for several lost opportunities beforehand.
Visiting Baladia had until then succeeded in frustrating all of Zamalek's attacking efforts, opting for a disciplined defending policy which included some rough tackling. Zamalek players didn't help their cause, appearing worn out because of the many league matches and the ongoing Arab Champions League.
Still, Zamalek were on the offensive throughout the match and were denied an early goal due to poor finishing. Medhat Abdel-Hadi's incursions into Baladia's box resulted in what seemed a penalty when he was brought down but Mohamed Farouk, making his refereeing debut, waved play on. A similar scene occurred in the second half, and again the referee denied Abdel-Hadi a spot kick.
In the 25th minute Abdel-Halim, in a world of his own, missed a golden chance, one in a series missed on the night.
Three substitutions by Zamalek did not make much difference until the goal. Substitute Gamal Hamza failed to make it two in the 90th minute.
Baladia, which also made three substitutions, missed what few chances came their way via counter attacks.
In other matches, rivals Sawahel and ENPPI ended a hard fought game 0-0.
Next fixtures: Ismaili / Tersana, Ahli / Zamalek, Baladia / Mansoura, Aswan / Koroum, Misri / Sawahel, ENPPI / Mehalla, Ittihad / Qanah
(All matches start at 9pm)
Al-Ahram Weekly Online : 13 - 19 November 2003 (Issue No. 664)
Located at: http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2003/664/sp2.htm