Zamalek conclude league campaign with 2-0 win over Pharco - Egyptian Football
Third-placed Zamalek ended their disappointing Egyptian League season with a 2-0 victory over Pharco FC in the final matchday of the playoff stage at Cairo International Stadium on Saturday.
Midfielders Mohamed Shehata and youngster Mohamed El-Sayed scored for Zamalek in each half, securing a morale-boosting result for the White Knights ahead of their Cup final on 5 June against Pyramids.
Despite dominating possession in the first half, Zamalek struggled to create clear scoring opportunities.
Shehata broke the deadlock in the 26th minute, latching onto a cross from left-back Ahmed Fatouh outside the box to unleash a stunning 25-meter right-footed strike into the bottom-left corner, marking his second league goal of the season.
The Cairo-based side continued to face challenges in breaching Pharco's resolute defense, which remained organized in thwarting Zamalek's attempts to extend their lead.
In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Shehata tested the woodwork with another long-range effort, striking the left post before the ball rebounded off goalkeeper Mohamed Nadim into his grasp.
After the break, interim coach Ayman El-Ramady introduced Nasser Maher, Mohamed El-Sayed, and Mostafa El-Zenary for Nabil Emad, Abdallah El-Said, and Omar Gaber.
Six minutes into the second half, right-winger Ahmed 'Esho' Abdel-Rahman struck the crossbar with a close-range left-footed shot.
El-Ramady's 58th-minute substitution of veteran skipper Mahmoud 'Shikabala' Abdel-Razek proved decisive, as the Zamalek star delivered a precise cross from the left for El-Sayed to tap home from close range.
Pharco FC's players appealed for a penalty four minutes later when striker Ahmed Sherif fell in the box, but the referee upheld the decision to continue play following a VAR review.
Zamalek dominated the remainder of the match but failed to capitalize on further chances.
The result lifted Zamalek to 47 points, finishing 11 points behind league champions Ahly and nine adrift of second-placed Pyramids FC, while Pharco FC retained seventh spot with 32 points.
Zamalek now shift focus to their Egypt Cup final showdown against Pyramids FC on Thursday, aiming to secure silverware after a frustrating campaign.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
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