Stalemate in Cairo as Zamalek SC and Al Ittihad End 0-0

Zamalek SC and Al Ittihad began their Premier League campaigns in an absorbing 0-0 draw on Friday, August 21, 2026, beneath the Cairo sun. Despite Zamalek’s relentless possession and attacks, Al Ittihad’s gritty defending ensured both sides left with a point.

Zamalek SC’s Early Dominance

Zamalek SC wasted no time asserting their authority with 61% possession in the first half. The White Knights’ midfield trio of Ahmed Fatouh, Mohamed Shehata and Adam Kaied dictated play, probing the Al Ittihad defense with intricate passing sequences. However, the visitors held firm, limiting Zamalek SC to speculative shots from outside the box.

Al Ittihad’s Resolute Defense

Al Ittihad’s Miloud Hamdi set his stall out early with a compact shape to frustrate the hosts. Kenneth Semakula earned the game’s first yellow card for his tireless midfield work as Zamalek SC pressed forward. Sobhy Soliman’s alert goalkeeping and central defenders Mido Mostafa and Mostafa Ibrahim provided the backbone of Al Ittihad’s resistance.

Second Half Substitutions

The second half saw tactical changes from both sides, as Gamil Abdel-Raouf Ahmed and Miloud Hamdi rolled the dice with multiple substitutions. Zamalek SC introduced attackers Naser Mansi and Ahmed Sherif, while Al Ittihad freshened their midfield with Pascal Phiri and Youssry Wahid. Despite the changes, neither team could find the breakthrough, as Zamalek SC hit the target just twice from 12 shots.

Late Drama and Stoppage Time

The closing stages were tense and physical, culminating in Zamalek SC’s Oday Dabbagh seeing yellow in the 95th minute for a frustrated foul. Al Ittihad had their moments on the counter but lacked the final pass, as both goalkeepers closed ranks with crucial saves to preserve the stalemate.

For Zamalek SC, this was a missed opportunity to start the season on a high despite their dominance in possession. Al Ittihad will be buoyed by their defensive resilience but urgently need more attacking threat. Both sides will regroup and aim for better performances in their next Premier League fixtures.