Egyptian Premier League champions Zamalek began their title defence with a goalless draw against Ittihad Alexandria.
The White Knights controlled more of the possession but struggled to create clear chances against an organised Ittihad side. Nasser Mansi had Zamalek’s first notable opportunity after 19 minutes, heading Mahmoud Bentayg’s corner narrowly wide.
Mansi missed another chance after Adam Kaied delivered a cross from the left. Ahmed Sherif also tried his luck from outside the penalty area without troubling Ittihad goalkeeper Sobhi Soliman.
Ittihad carried a threat on the counterattack, but Zamalek goalkeeper Mahdi Soliman denied Pascal Feir midway through the first half after the midfielder beat his marker and entered the penalty area.
Zamalek coach Motamed Gamal replaced Ahmed Fattouh with Mohamed El Sayed at half-time as the hosts looked for more attacking control.
Kaied then forced Sobhi Soliman into a save in the 66th minute. Gamal responded by introducing Chico Banza and Ahmed Rabie for Mansi and Adam Kaied.
As the match came close to its ending, Joseph Arumala missed two opportunities for Ittihad, first firing over the bar before Mahmoud Hamdy El-Wensh blocked another effort near the goal.
Zamalek also failed to capitalise on their late pressure. Rabie headed over from a stoppage-time corner as the match finished 0-0.
Zamalek entered the season as defending champions after winning the 2025/26 title on the final day. Zamalek will face National Bank of Egypt in their second league match on Wednesday, August 26. Ittihad will host Petrojet two days later.
Abu Qir Make Historic Start
Newly promoted Abu Qir Fertilizers marked their first Egyptian Premier League appearance with a 1-0 victory over El Bank El Ahly at Alexandria Stadium.
Ali Hussein scored the decisive goal in the 59th minute. He converted Youssef Hamdy’s pass after an error in El Bank El Ahly’s defence.
The goal was Abu Qir’s first in the Egyptian top flight and secured all three points on the club’s league debut. Goalkeeper Mahmoud Gennesh helped preserve the lead with saves from Ahmed Madbouly and Ahmed Yasser Rayan as El Bank El Ahly increased the pressure.
Wadi Degla, ZED Share Spoils
The season’s opening match also ended goalless as Wadi Degla drew 0-0 with ZED FC at El-Salam Stadium. Both goalkeepers impressed in an evenly contested game. Wadi Degla’s Amr Hossam made four saves and received the player-of-the-match award.
The opening round continues on Saturday, with last season’s runners-up Pyramids visiting Ghazl El Mahalla, while Al Ahly begin their campaign against ENPPI on Sunday.