Pyramids FC defender Ali Gabr takes the centre stage against former club Zamalek after scoring the winner 1-0 on Tuesday to fire his team to the top of the Egyptian Premier League table.
Gabr s 24th minute goal dropped Zamalek off the top and could stand between the Whites and their first league title since 2015.
Pyramids FC, who have just beaten Cairo giants Ahly 1-0 last Thursday, now have 63 points, three ahead of Zamalek and five ahead of defending champions Ahly, having played two more matches than both of their rivals.
These recent victories boosted Pyramids hopes of claiming their first ever league title after Saudi investors beefed up their squad. The Cairo derby between Ahly and Zamalek is yet to be held.
A goal and a wasted penalty
Pyramids FC had the upper hand early in the game and created the first threat as early as the second minute, when winger Mohamed Farouk broke into the area before his shot from a tight angle was deflected off.
Gabr put Pyramids FC ahead when he volleyed home in the back of the net, connecting with Abdallah El-Said s corner midway through the first half.
Syrian striker Omar Kharbin could have doubled the lead from the spot yet he squandered the penalty kick, which was awarded due to Hamdi Nagguez s harsh challenge on Gabr.
Zamalek abandoned their cautious approach and pushed forward in an attempt to grab the equalizer but failed to pose any threat.
Their best chance came just before the break when Mahmoud "El-Wench" Hamdi s close range effort was blocked by the defenders.
Nervy half
After the interval, Pyramids once again came close to scoring as Keno cut inside and fired from the edge of the area, only for his effort to go over the bar.
The second half was marred by messy and rough display and consistent fouls, forcing the referee to brandish 10 yellow cards.
Zamalek coach Christian Gross changed three out of his four attackers as Ahmed "Zizo" El-Sayed, Ibrahim Hassan and Mohamed Ibrahim made way for Mahmoud "Kahraba" Abdel-Moneim, Mohamed Antar and Ayman Hefni respectively yet to no avail.
Zamalek will have now to turn their focus to the African Confederation Cup as they will face on Friday Tunisian giants Etoile du Sahel in the semi-final first leg.
