Zamalek eliminated from Egypt Cup by Ceramica Cleopatra

Ceramica Cleopatra booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Egypt Cup after securing a valuable 2-1 victory over title holders Zamalek SC at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in the Round of 16.

Ceramica took the lead in the 18th minute. A corner delivery caused confusion inside the box, as Justice Arthur attempted to shot the ball, only for it to deflect off Hossam Abdelmaguid and wrong-foot goalkeeper Mahdi Suleiman before finding the back of the net.

Despite trailing, Zamalek managed to restore parity deep into first-half stoppage time (45+2). Goalkeeper Mohamed Bassam failed to hold a ball from a cross inside the area properly after colliding with a teammate, allowing the ball to drop kindly for Mohamed Ismail, who slotted home the equalizer.

In the 70th minute, Ahmed Belhaj produced the decisive moment. Receiving the ball outside the penalty area, he struck a beautiful long-range effort that went into the left corner beyond Mahdi Suleiman’s reach, sealing Ceramica’s qualification.

Quarter-Final Showdown Set

With this result, Ceramica Cleopatra FC advance to face Tala’ea El Gaish SC in the quarter-finals. The match is scheduled for 7:30 PM GMT on Wednesday, March 18.

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