Zamalek held by late El Gouna shocking equalizer ahead of Cairo Derby

Zamalek were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at home against El Gouna on Tuesday evening in Round 8 of the Nile Egyptian League, dropping two valuable points just days before their blockbuster clash with rivals Al Ahly.

The hosts looked in control when Oday Dabbagh broke the deadlock in the 27th minute. The Palestinian striker latched onto a cross from Nasser Maher and steered the ball home with a first-time finish.

But El Gouna were dangerous throughout, rattling the crossbar twice — first through Arnaud Randrianantenaina in the 14th minute and later via Khaled Seddik shortly after the restart. Their persistence was rewarded late on when Mohamed Emad unleashed a thunderous strike from inside the box in the 86th minute.

The result keeps Zamalek top of the standings with 17 points, while El Gouna sit 14th on 8 points.

All eyes now turn to next Monday, September 29, when Zamalek lock horns with Al Ahly in the Cairo Derby, a fixture that could prove pivotal in the title race.

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