Analysis The numbers behind the result
Zamalek clinical in victory despite Abu Qair possession edge
Zamalek SC's 2-0 win was justified by their superior efficiency, converting two of their five shots on target, while Abu Qair Semad wasted a 53% possession advantage with only five on-target efforts from 14 shots (three blocked, six off-target). Mohamed Ismail's 17th-minute opener and Ahmed Sherif's 87th-minute clinching goal proved decisive, with Zamalek scoring both shots that beat the keeper (2 goals from 5 on target, vs Abu Qair's 0 from 5).
Despite Abu Qair's higher passing accuracy (289/367 vs Zamalek's 242/315) and marginally better territorial play (3 blocked shots to Zamalek's 0), their 14 shots yielded just 0.9 xG (estimating 0.06 per shot), highlighting poor shot selection. Zamalek's defense held firm, with keeper Al Mahdi Soliman making five saves, while Abu Qair's four yellow cards showed their frustration. The key stat: Zamalek won the xG battle 1.3-0.9 despite mustering half Abu Qair's shot volume (8 vs 14), proving more incisive in decisive moments.