A Zamalek side missing several key players and French coach Patrice Carteron failed to break down lowly Gouna in a 0-0 away draw in the Egyptian Premier League on Sunday.

With the likes of Moroccan winger Achraf Bencharki, Tunisian midfielder Ferjani Sassi and defensive midfielder Tarek Hamed suspended, Zamalek found it hard to penetrate Gouna’s massed ranks.

Zamalek also wasted the few opportunities they created and could not score a last-gasp winner, which they found in recent exciting victories over Talae El-Geish and Masry.

Gouna played most of the second half with ten men after Arabi Badr received a second booking for simulation but Zamalek failed to make their numerical advantage count.

The Cairo giants’ three-match winning run came to an end but they still lead the league table with 55 points. Second-placed and holders Ahly are second on 41 points but they have six matches in hand.

Should Ahly win their rescheduled matches, they will move four points clear on top.

Gouna, who also held Ahly to a 1-1 draw earlier in the season, remains 12th on 31 points.