Ceramica Cleopatra dump holders Zamalek out of Egypt Cup

By Maxwell Kumoye 

 

 

Zamalek SC crashed out of the Egypt Cup on Tuesday night after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Ceramica Cleopatra FC in their round of 16 clash at the Suez Authority Stadium in Ismailia.

The defending champions were stunned early in the contest when defender Hossam Abdel-Maguid inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 18th minute, handing Ceramica Cleopatra a crucial breakthrough. 

The early setback rattled Zamalek, who struggled to find their rhythm in the opening exchanges as their opponents pressed with confidence and discipline.

However, the White Knights clawed their way back into the tie just before halftime. 

A costly error from Ceramica goalkeeper Mohamed Bassam gifted Zamalek a lifeline, allowing Mohamed Ismail to slot home into an empty net and restore parity heading into the break.

With the contest finely poised in the second half, Ceramica Cleopatra showed greater cutting edge. 

Moroccan midfielder Ahmed Belhadji emerged as the hero in the 70th minute, unleashing a precise strike from outside the box that beat the goalkeeper and ultimately proved decisive.

Zamalek pushed forward in search of another equaliser but was unable to break down a resolute Ceramica backline, as the holders’ cup defence came to a premature end.

The victory sends Ceramica Cleopatra into the quarter-finals, where they will face Tala'ea El Gaish SC in the last eight, while Zamalek are left to reflect on a disappointing exit from a competition they lifted last season.