Zamalek secured an important 2-1 victory over Petrojet on Monday night at Cairo International Stadium in the third round of the 2026-27 Egyptian Premier League season, moving onto seven points and maintaining their strong start to the campaign.

The match was far from easy for Zamalek, particularly during the first half, as Petrojet started strongly and created several dangerous chances before the White Knights took advantage of one of their attacks to go into the break ahead through Hossam Ashraf.

Zamalek improved significantly after halftime, with substitute Mohamed El Sayed adding the second goal. Badr Moussa pulled one back for Petrojet from the penalty spot late in the match, but Zamalek held on to secure all three points.

Ashraf Opens

Petrojet made the stronger start and immediately tried to put Zamalek's defense under pressure, while the White Knights needed some time to settle into the game.

One of Petrojet's early chances came after goalkeeper Mahdy Soliman failed to control a cross cleanly. The loose ball fell into a dangerous area, but Mahmoud Hamdy El Wensh reacted quickly to clear the danger before Petrojet could score.

Petrojet continued to threaten and came extremely close to taking the lead around the 11th minute when Ahmed Bahbah produced a powerful effort that struck the left post.

Adham Hamed was booked in the 25th minute following a strong challenge on Mohamed Shehata, while Badr Moussa also received a yellow card later in the first half.

Despite Petrojet creating the clearer early chances, Zamalek delivered the opening blow in the 40th minute.

Angolan winger Chico Banza sent a cross into the penalty area, where Hossam Ashraf rose well and headed the ball into the net to give Zamalek a 1-0 advantage.

The White Knights went into halftime ahead and also finished the opening half with around 54% possession compared with Petrojet's 46%, although their opponents had created several dangerous opportunities.

El Sayed Seals It

Zamalek coach Moatamed Gamal made an immediate change at the start of the second half, introducing Mohamed El Sayed in place of Adam Kaied.

The substitution quickly made an impact as Zamalek looked much more comfortable after the restart and started to create chances more regularly.

In the 56th minute, Zamalek players appealed for a penalty after Chico Banza went down inside the area following a challenge involving Petrojet's goalkeeper.

The referee, however, allowed play to continue after the incident was reviewed by VAR.

Zamalek doubled their advantage in the 63rd minute.

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Mohamed El Sayed received the ball following a pass from Oday Dabbagh, moved toward the penalty area and fired a low shot into the net to make it 2-0.

It was an immediate reward for El Sayed after coming off the bench at halftime, although he was later forced to leave the field after suffering an injury. Abdallah El Said replaced him in the 84th minute.

Petrojet continued searching for a way back into the match, with Abou Bakr Liadi wasting a major opportunity from close range when his effort went over the crossbar.

The closing stages then produced more drama when Petrojet were awarded a penalty.

Mahdy Soliman saved the initial attempt taken by Godwin Chika, but referee Tarek Magdy ordered the kick to be retaken after ruling that the Zamalek goalkeeper had moved off his line too early.

Badr Moussa stepped up for the retake and converted, reducing the deficit to 2-1 late in the game.

Moussa's strike was also the first goal Zamalek had conceded since the beginning of the new Egyptian Premier League season after keeping clean sheets in their opening two matches.

Petrojet attempted to push forward during the remaining minutes, but Zamalek protected their advantage and secured an important three points from a difficult encounter.

The result took Zamalek to seven points and second place in the league standings after three rounds, keeping them firmly in the early title race. Petrojet remained on one point and sat 15th in the table.

Zamalek started the match with Mahdy Soliman in goal, behind a defensive line of Mahmoud Bentayg, Mahmoud Hamdy El Wensh, Mohamed Ismail and Omar Gaber.

Mohamed Shehata, Ahmed Rabie and Adam Kaied formed the midfield, while Chico Banza, Hossam Ashraf and Oday Dabbagh led the attack.

The Zamalek bench included Mohamed Awad, Mostafa El Zenary, Mohamed Ibrahim, Ahmed Khodary, Mohamed El Sayed, Abdallah El Said, Ahmed Abdel Rahim “Esho,” Ahmed Sherif and Nasser Mansi.

Petrojet started with Omar Salah in goal, while Omar Diaa, Barakat Haggag, Youssef Abdel Tawab and Karim El Deeb formed the defense. Adham Hamed, Mohamed Ali Okasha and Mostafa El Badry played in midfield, with Badr Moussa, Ahmed Bahbah and Mohamed Ibrahim “Dodo” in attack.

The victory allowed Zamalek to continue collecting points during the opening weeks of the season, but the match also provided several warnings for the team. Petrojet had enough chances to change the outcome, meaning Zamalek will need to reduce defensive mistakes and become more clinical in front of goal as the league campaign develops.