El Dakhlia SC claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Maleyat Kafr El Zayat in the Egyptian Division 2 on Friday, October 2, 2026, at their home ground. The win strengthens El Dakhlia’s push for a promotion playoff spot and hands Maleyat Kafr El Zayat a frustrating away defeat in a match that was decided by a late second-half goal.

Match Overview

El Dakhlia SC started the contest with clear intent, pressing high and forcing Maleyat Kafr El Zayat into early mistakes. The hosts dominated possession in the opening half-hour and were rewarded for their aggression when Karim Abdelrahman opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, finishing calmly after a quick exchange on the edge of the box. Maleyat Kafr El Zayat struggled to keep the ball but remained compact and threatened on the counter. Their resilience paid off early in the second half when Mahmoud El-Sherif equalised in the 52nd minute with a well-placed shot from just inside the penalty area.

With the game level, El Dakhlia SC increased the tempo again. The introduction of Omar El-Ghazaly from the bench proved decisive, as the substitute scored the winning goal in the 78th minute, converting a low cross from the right flank. Maleyat Kafr El Zayat pushed numbers forward in the closing stages but could not find a second equaliser, leaving El Dakhlia to celebrate a valuable three points.

Key Moments

• 23’ – Goal: Karim Abdelrahman gives El Dakhlia SC a 1-0 lead with a composed finish inside the box.
• 52’ – Goal: Mahmoud El-Sherif equalises for Maleyat Kafr El Zayat with a low strike from 12 yards.
• 67’ – Chance: El Dakhlia’s winger Ahmed Fathy rattles the crossbar with a curling effort from the left.
• 78’ – Goal: Substitute Omar El-Ghazaly restores the home side’s lead, turning in a cross at the near post.
• 90+3’ – Late save: El Dakhlia goalkeeper Mostafa Kamal denies Maleyat a stoppage-time equaliser with a strong one-handed save.

Tactical Story

El Dakhlia SC lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with their two holding midfielders controlling the rhythm and allowing the full-backs to push high. The hosts completed 58% of possession and created 14 shots, six of which were on target. Maleyat Kafr El Zayat set up in a 4-4-2 block, looking to absorb pressure and hit on the break. Their equaliser came from exactly that approach, but they struggled to contain El Dakhlia’s wide overlaps in the final 20 minutes.

The decisive tactical adjustment came when El Dakhlia coach switched to a 4-3-3 with three forwards, pinning Maleyat’s defence deeper. That change created the space for the winning goal and forced the visitors to chase the game late on. Maleyat’s midfield trio worked tirelessly, but they were eventually undone by a moment of quality from the bench.

Standout Players

Karim Abdelrahman was the focal point of El Dakhlia’s attack, scoring the opener and linking play throughout. Omar El-Ghazaly made an instant impact as a substitute, while goalkeeper Mostafa Kamal produced a crucial late save to protect the lead. For Maleyat Kafr El Zayat, Mahmoud El-Sherif was their brightest performer, taking his goal well and leading several counter-attacks. Central defender Hossam Adel also made a number of important blocks before the winning goal.

League Impact

The result moves El Dakhlia SC into the top four of the Egyptian Division 2 table, keeping them within touching distance of the promotion places. Maleyat Kafr El Zayat remain in mid-table and will need to improve their away form if they are to climb into contention. El Dakhlia’s next fixture will be another home test, while Maleyat return home looking to bounce back immediately.