Zamalek kicked off their Egyptian Premier League title defense with a disappointing 0–0 draw against Al Ittihad Alexandria on Friday evening at Cairo International Stadium in the opening round of the new season.
The reigning champions failed to capitalize on their first-half dominance, creating multiple scoring opportunities without displaying the clinical edge required to break the deadlock.
Nasser Mansi was at the center of Zamalek’s most prominent missed chances, including a dangerous header in the 19th minute that dragged just wide of the post, sending both teams into the break scoreless.
The momentum shifted in the second half as Zamalek’s performance dipped, leaving defensive gaps that allowed Al Ittihad to threaten the home side’s goal on several occasions.
This opening setback coincides with ongoing administrative and technical challenges at Zamalek, notably the delayed return of Brazilian player Juan Bezerra, who requested a departure despite being tied to a long-term contract.
Furthermore, the club remains constrained by a FIFA transfer ban due to accumulated unpaid dues, severely hindering management’s ability to reinforce the squad ahead of a congested fixture list.
Zamalek will look to bounce back when they visit Bank El Ahly on Wednesday, August 26 at Cairo International Stadium, before hosting Suez Montakhab against Petrojet on Monday, August 31 at the same venue.
