Egypt Daily News – Zamalek crowned Egypt Cup champions in marathon scenario against Pyramids after a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time, with penalty shootout sealing their only title of the season.
Ahmed Atef “Qotta” gave Pyramids the lead in the 29th minute, and substitute Nasser Mansi equalized for Zamalek in the 79th minute.
The match began relatively calmly, with both teams showing caution. Pyramids had a slight upper hand and controlled possession during the first 10 minutes.
Pyramids attempted to threaten Mohamed Sobhi’s goal with a cross from a free kick in the 7th minute, followed by a header from Marwan Hamdy in the 9th minute that narrowly missed the target.
Zamalek’s first attempt on Ahmed El-Shennawy’s goal came in the 11th minute with an easy header that the Pyramids keeper comfortably saved.
Pyramids regained control and focused on penetrating through the middle, then distributing the ball to the flanks to deliver crosses, especially targeting Marwan Hamdy.
Qotta puts Pyramids ahead
In the 29th minute, Pyramids took the lead from a diagonal pass by Walid El Karti into the box, which Qotta headed over goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi, who failed to stop it.
Abdallah El-Said fired a powerful shot that went over the bar in the 40th minute.
Zamalek increased pressure in the final minutes of the first half, trying to equalize, while Pyramids sought to hold their lead.
At the start of the second half, Zamalek coach Ayman El Ramady brought on Nasser Mansi and Maher, replacing Seifeddine Jaziri and Nabil Emad “Donga.”
Zamalek looked livelier and more energetic compared to the first half, but it was Pyramids who almost scored in the 51st minute when Marwan Hamdy, unmarked, headed just wide.
El-Shennawy saved a dangerous effort from Mansi in the same minute, pushing it out for a corner.
Mostafa Shalaby missed a golden opportunity in the 60th minute after receiving a pass behind the defense, breaking through and shooting high despite being close to goal.
Ramady continued making substitutions, bringing on Mahmoud Bentayeg for Seif Gaafar in the 61st minute.
Pyramids coach Jorčić responded by introducing Karim Hafez and Mostafa Fathi for Qotta and Ibrahim Adel.
Zamalek equalizes
Nasser Mansi scored the equalizer in the 79th minute after a long ball from Ahmed Fattouh, finishing into the net just as El-Shennawy came out to intercept.
El-Shennawy suffered an injury and was replaced by Sherif Ekramy. Shikabala came on for Abdallah El-Said in the 82nd minute.
Mostafa El-Zanari replaced Omar Gaber in the 89th minute, while Jorčić brought on Ali Gabr and Ahmed Tawfik for Mahmoud Marei and Mohamed El-Shibi.
Mansi had another shot in the 97th minute from distance that went wide.
In extra time, the game slowed again, with both teams cautious to avoid conceding.
Youssef Obama came on for Mohanad Lasheen in Pyramids’ midfield.
No significant chances occurred in the first 15 minutes of extra time.
Ahmed Fattouh was injured in the second half of extra time but returned after receiving treatment.
Mohamed Sobhi denied a powerful shot from Mostafa Fathi in the 113th minute, and the defense cleared the rebound.
Sherif Ekramy responded with a key save in the 118th minute, blocking a low strike from Fattouh and turning it into a corner.
In preparation for the penalty shootout, Mohamed Awad replaced Mohamed Sobhi in the 121st minute.
Penalty shootout:
- Karim Hafez scored for Pyramids
- Hossam Abdelmaguid scored for Zamalek
- Mostafa Fathi hit the bar
- Mohamed Shehata scored for Zamalek
- Marwan Hamdy scored for Pyramids
- Bentayeg scored for Zamalek
- Ahmed Tawfik scored for Pyramids
- El-Wensh scored for Zamalek
- Obama scored for Pyramids
- Mostafa Shalaby’s shot was saved by Ekramy
- Walid El Karti scored for Pyramids
- Nasser Maher scored for Zamalek
- Ahmed Sami hit the bar, giving Zamalek new hope
- Nasser Mansi’s shot was saved by Ekramy
- Blati Touré scored the sixth for Pyramids
- Mostafa El-Zanari equalized for Zamalek
- Mohamed Hamdy scored
- Fattouh responded for Zamalek
- Ali Gabr missed the ninth penalty, shooting over the bar
- Shikabala scored the winner for Zamalek
Zamalek emerged victorious in a dramatic shootout, securing the Egypt Cup.
