Zamalek’s hopes of securing second place and returning to the CAF Champions League suffered a huge blow as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Ceramica Cleopatra in the Egyptian Premier League.
Saifeddine Jaziri looked to have secured the win for the White Knights with a second-half strike, but Ahmed Belhadji’s stoppage-time header rescued a point for Ceramica.
Zamalek were playing their first match under interim boss Ayman Al Ramadi, who made his name in the Premier League with Cleopatra Ceramica before being replaced in February by Aly Maher. They made an early breakthrough inside 14 minutes after a howler from Ceramica keeper Mohamed Bassam, who lost control of the ball trying to dribble past Nasser Mansy in the six-yard box, allowing the in-form striker to tap in with ease.
Ceramica responded in the 64th minute when Islam Issa tucked home from close range following a well-weighted pass from Mohamed Reda “Popo”. But Zamalek hit back less than five minutes later. Substitute Jaziri received a long pass from Nabil Emad “Dunga” inside the box, beat Nabil Ragab with a sharp turn, and slotted home.In the dying seconds, Belhadji met Mohamed Shokry fine cross with a bullet header to level the score at 2-2.
