Zamalek edge Pyramids 1-0 as João Alvina Bezerra’s late strike strengthens Egyptian Premier League title bid
Zamalek moved a step closer to the Egyptian Premier League title after a 1-0 victory over Pyramids, with Joao Alvina Bezerra scoring an 84th-minute winner to bolster their title bid. The result leaves Zamalek top of the standings and puts fresh pressure on Pyramids and rivals Al Ahly as the season approaches its climax.
Late winner seals Zamalek’s victory
Zamalek’s decisive moment arrived in the 84th minute when Joao Alvina Bezerra converted a well-crafted cross from substitute Chico Panza to beat Ahmed El-Shennawy. The goal proved enough to secure three points at the home ground and extend Zamalek’s advantage in the title race.
The breakthrough followed a tense, tightly contested match in which both sides created chances but struggled to find a clinical edge. Zamalek’s victory underlined their defensive resolve and ability to capitalize on late opportunities.
Standings impact and title implications
With the win, Zamalek rose to 49 points at the top of the table, five points clear of Pyramids and rivals Al Ahly. That cushion gives Zamalek a valuable margin as the Egyptian Premier League title contest heads into the final stages.
The result increases the burden on Pyramids to chase down the leaders while adding urgency to Al Ahly’s remaining fixtures. With every point crucial, Zamalek’s late success could prove decisive in determining the championship.
Key moments and VAR interventions
The match featured a number of pivotal refereeing decisions, including the disallowing of a late second goal for Zamalek after a VAR review ruled the scorer offside. Chico Panza had appeared to double the lead in stoppage time before the offside call nullified the effort.
Earlier, Pyramids had a goal from Mahmoud Abdel Hafiz ruled out in the 33rd minute due to an offside involving Fiston Mayele. Those VAR interventions ensured tight margins and preserved the single-goal outcome.
Pyramids’ missed chances and injury setback
Pyramids threatened on several occasions but were unable to convert pressure into a winning goal. Abdallah El-Said had an effort that narrowly missed the target in the first half, and the side appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty shortly before Zamalek’s winner.
The visitors were also hampered by injury, with Ahmed Atef leaving the field at the start of the second half and being replaced by Youssef Ibrahim, known as Obama. That substitution and the ongoing inability to finish decisive chances left Pyramids two points behind Zamalek in the title race.
Relegation group: Ghazl El Mahalla fightback earns point
In the relegation group, Ghazl El Mahalla produced a late equaliser to draw 1-1 with Petrojet, a result that keeps the hosts in mid-table contention. Petrojet took the lead through Badr Musa’s 24th-minute strike, but Abdel Rahim Amouri headed in the leveller in the 80th minute.
The draw lifts Ghazl El Mahalla to 29 points, while Petrojet sit on 34 points in the group standings. The point provides breathing room for Ghazl El Mahalla as they continue to chase safety in a tightly contested survival campaign.
Contractors and Al Ittihad maintain distance from drop zone
Earlier in the round, Al Mokawloon Al Arab (Arab Contractors) and Al Ittihad Alexandria played out a goalless draw that left both sides with improved prospects of avoiding relegation. Al Mokawloon moved to 27 points, while Al Ittihad now have 28 points in the 14-team relegation group.
The draw nudged both clubs closer to safety as the league prepares to relegate the bottom four. Currently, Pharco, Kahraba Ismailia, Haras El Hodood and Ismaily occupy the four relegation positions and remain under pressure in the closing fixtures.
Final paragraph
Zamalek’s narrow victory and the weekend’s other results have sharpened the stakes at both ends of the Egyptian Premier League table, with the title race now more tangible for the leaders and the relegation battle intensifying for several clubs. The coming fixtures will be decisive as teams jostle for championship glory and survival.
