Fourth-placed Arab Contractors overcame the dismissal of two players to defeat third-placed Zamalek 2-1 at the Arab Contractors Stadium in Cairo on Thursday and open up the race for second place in the Egyptian Premier League.
Both sides came into this game with contrasting fortunes as Arab Contractors had lost 1-0 to lowly Aswan S.C. while Zamalek had ended league leaders Al Ahly’s unbeaten run with a 3-1 win.
Zamalek may have seen more of the ball in the first half but Arab Contractors created more chances with Zamalek keeper Mohamed Abougabal making three saves. However, Colombian Luis Hinestroza opened the scoring for Arab Contractors in just the 13th minute.
The home side was, however, pegged back when Fadi Nagah was dismissed nine minutes to halftime but they managed to go into the break ahead.
Zamalek tried to press on their man advantage and went for an equalizer after the restart. The 12-time champions had to wait for a breakthrough until the 73rd minute when Achraf Bencharki leveled the tie.
Despite that, Arab Contractors managed to score a winner in the second minute of added time through substitute Mohamed Essam, who then got himself booked twice in the space of three minutes and was sent off.
The result left Zamalek in third, level on points with Pyramids F.C. but with an inferior goal difference. Arab Contractors remained fourth but closed the gap on both sides to just two points after 22 matches.
Elsewhere, fifth-placed Al Ittihad drew 1-1 with Haras El Hodood while El Ismaily and Wadi Degla recorded 3-1 wins against Tanta and Misr Lel Makassa respectively.
