Zamalek’s defence was breached first as Ceramica Cleopatra struck in the 18th minute at Suez Authority Stadium in Ismailia. The breakthrough came in unfortunate fashion for the title holders.
Zamalek’s defence was breached first as Ceramica Cleopatra struck in the 18th minute at Suez Authority Stadium in Ismailia. The breakthrough came in unfortunate fashion for the title holders.
Defender Hossam Abdel-Maguid inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, handing Ceramica an early advantage in the round of 16 encounter.
The own goal forced the reigning champions to chase the match from that point onward.
Despite the early blow, Zamalek found a way back into the contest shortly before the break. Their equaliser arrived after a costly mistake from the opposing goalkeeper.
Ceramica keeper Mohamed Bassam mishandled the situation inside his area, allowing Mohamed Ismail to score into an unguarded net and restore parity.
The goal ensured the sides went into halftime level, keeping the knockout tie finely balanced.
The decisive moment came in the 70th minute when Moroccan midfielder Ahmed Belhadji produced a precise effort from outside the box.
His well-placed shot proved enough to separate the teams and secure a 2-1 victory for Ceramica Cleopatra.
With the win, Ceramica advanced to the quarter-finals, where they are set to meet Talae El-Gaish in the next round.
