Like last week the elite clubs of Egyptian football were all in action for a special Sunday in the Egyptian Premier League with Pyramids FC leading off the slate of matches before Al Ahly and reigning champions Zamalek took to the pitch. Pyramids could only manage a scoreless draw at home against Al Masry while Ahly edged newly promoted Aswan SC by a 1-0 score. Zamalek did excellently to find victory in a tough early season test against big spenders Ceramica Cleopatra, winning 2-0 in a match where the champions took their chances well.

Ceramica Cleopatra spent big before the season in an attempt to turn Egypt’s “Big 3” into a group that features four teams but an excellent start was crucial for Zamalek. Left back Ahmed Fatouh provided a precise lofted ball into the Ceramica penalty area in the 10th minute where Emam Ashour collected before crossing into the six-yard box for Tunisia national team striker Seifeddine Jaziri to nod in the opening goal.

Hosts Ceramica appeared to level the match on two occasions on both sides of halftime through Ahmed Yasser Rayan but it was a day of good luck for the forward who saw both of his finishes ruled out by the linesman’s flag. Fatouh put the match away late on, firing a shot past Ceramica goalkeeper Mohamed Bassam with his weaker right foot after cutting inside from the left flank.

Al Ahly have not looked as convincing as their supporters would like so far this season but did remain perfect through two games with another 1-0 victory over Aswan. Attacking left back Ali Maâloul converted from the penalty spot in the 17th minute to put Ahly ahead and the hosts had a second goal cancelled out around the hour mark for offsides after the Video Assistant Referee intervened. Ahly and new manager Marcel Koller will have their first major test on Friday when they face hated rivals Zamalek in the Egyptian Super Cup.

Last season’s runners-up Pyramids FC struggled in their clash against Al Masry and the visitors were unlucky not to earn maximum points. Pyramids midfielder Walid El Karti was issued a straight red card soon before halftime, forcing his team to play defensive football for the remainder of the match against a Masry side that dominated for long stretches. In the end it was disappointment for both teams as Pyramids failed to win at home and Masry could not seize on their numerical advantage.

Highlights from all three of Sunday’s matches are below.

Pyramids FC 0-0 Al Masry

Ceramica Cleopatra 0-2 Zamalek

Al Ahly 2-0 Aswan SC

Ceramica Cleopatra 0-2 Zamalek (Goals)

Ceramica Cleopatra 0-2 Zamalek (Extended Highlights)

Al Ahly 1-0 Aswan SC

Pyramids FC 0-0 Al Masry