Less than a month after playing out the final of the delayed 2020-21 Egypt Cup the 2021-22 edition was back in action to finish up the Round of 16, continuing an incredibly busy stretch in Egyptian football. While Al Ahly continued to play a team made up mostly of reserves they were able to advance with Sunday’s 1-0 result against a Misr Lel Makkasa side that is guaranteed relegation from the Egyptian Premier League while Zamalek also made it through to the quarterfinals with Monday’s 1-0 victory over El Ismaily. Friday saw an absolute thriller as National Bank of Egypt advanced in a penalty kick shootout after drawing 4-4 against ENPPI.
Zamalek manager Jesualdo Ferreira rotated in a few players but still kept in key attackers including Seifeddine Jaziri and Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” with the on fire Zizo providing the lone goal on Monday. His 21st minute penalty kick put the White Castle up on El Ismaily and continued an excellent stretch for Zizo, who has scored seven goals in his last four matches and ten in his last ten games.
Ahly, meanwhile, are carrying on with giving their stars an extended period away from the heavy match congestion but their results stayed positive on Sunday. Just like in their previous league win against Al Masry midweek a Ramy Rabia penalty kick made the difference with the Egyptian international converting in the fourth minute of second half stoppage time. All of Egypt’s “Big 3” are through to the quarterfinals with Pyramids FC having advanced earlier this month with a win against Ceramica Cleopatra.
Friday’s goal fest between ENPPI and National Bank of Egypt must be mentioned as well. Mostafa Shalaby and John Okoye Ebuka each scored two goals for hosts ENPPI but the Petroleum Club was no match for Nasser Mansi, who scored an incredible four goals for National Bank of Egypt. Mansi and Shalaby each scored twice in the first half before a scoreless second half meant extra time was needed, where Okoye Ebuka took his turn to score twice in the extra thirty minutes including a dramatic late leveler after it appeared Mansi’s two goals in the extra session would be enough for the visitors to win. However ENPPI could only convert one of their four penalty kick attempts while NBE went three for four to advance.
Goals from all three games over the weekend are below as well as the full penalty kick shootout between ENPPI and National Bank of Egypt.
Zamalek 1-0 El Ismaily
Al Ahly 1-0 Misr Lel Makkasa
ENPPI 4-4 National Bank of Egypt (NBE advances 3-1 on penalties)
ENPPI 4-4 National Bank of Egypt (Full penalty kick shootout)