Zamalek edge past Pharco to claim Nile Egyptian League top spot over Al Masry

Zamalek secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Pharco in the fourth round of the Nile Egyptian League, thanks to a decisive strike from Angolan forward Chico Banza.

The match, played at the Al Salam Stadium, was settled in the 48th minute when Banza followed up a rebound after a shot from Oday Dabbagh was blocked by a Pharco defender. The Angolan showcased his flair by finishing into the empty net without even looking at the goal.

The White Knights wasted a golden chance in the 93rd minute. Pharco goalkeeper Mohamed Said Shika missed the ball then Zamalek Striker Nasser Mansi got it to shot towards the empty goal from penalty area side edge, only to hit the post with the goal wide open, before the defense cleared the danger.

Zamalek managed to protect their slim lead until the final whistle, moving to the top of the league table with 10 points, two ahead of Al Masry and Petrojet, who both sit on eight.

Meanwhile, Pharco remain bottom of the table with just one point from their opening four matches.

In another match, Al Masry dropped points after being held to a 1-1 draw by Haras El Hodoud, missing the chance to stay level with Zamalek at the top.