Zamalek failed to capitalize on Ismaili's slip up on top of the Egyptian League table after they were held to a 1-1 home draw by bottom side Asyut Petroleum on Sunday. Sami Abou-Zeid stunned the home crowd in the 34th minute before substitute Amr Zaki leveled the score in the 71st minute. The result put Zamalek in second place of the league table with 20 points, just one adrift of Ismaili, who were held to a goalless draw by Arab Contractors. Asyut Petroleum remained in bottom with two points. Zamalek manager Manuel Cajuda opted for an attacking line-up, fielding Mohamed Aboul-Ella as a lone holding midfielder in order to take an early lead and control the match. The Portuguese's strategy proved effective in terms of offense but the Cairo Club players squandered host of chances. Wael Al-Qabani had the first chance for Zamalek as early as the eighth minute when he blasted a free-kick that went over the bar from the edge of the area.
Asyut snatched a draw Ibrahim Saied almost put Zamalek in front three minutes later when Gamal Hamza's shot was parried by Asyut keepe ِAbdou Shaaban into the path of the former Ahli defender, whose shot went just wide. Amr Al-Safti connected with Tarek Al-Sayed's corner in the15th minute but his close-range header was blocked by Shaaban. Zamalek paid for their misses after Abou-Zeid scored the opener in the 34th minute. Mohamed Samara rounded Aboul-Ella in the left flank before providing a low cross to Abou-Zeid, who ghosted behind Al-Qabani to slot home past Zamalek keeper Mohamed Abdul-Monsef. In the second period, Cajuda introduced Zaki instead of right-back Ahmed Hossam and defensive midfielder Ahmed Abdul-Raaouf replaced Awuley Quaye 'Junior' in a bid to level the score. Unmarked Zaki finally got the equalizer in the 71st minute when he met Magdi Atwa's pinpoint cross with a glancing header into the top corner of the net. Zamalek then continued their habit of missing easy opportunities until the referee blew his whistle.
