The Cairo giants appeared vulnerable at the back and wasteful upfront but still managed to secure a third successive Egyptian Premier League victory at the expense of a brave MCDR side.

"I'm happy with the spirit of my players and their determination to win although they made many mistakes," Hassan told the post-match news conference.

"Our opponents were stubborn and difficult to beat. I did not expect that scenario."

MCDR took Zamalek by surprise, claiming a two-goal lead after 35 minutes through goals from skilful playmaker Ayman Hefni and striker Ayman Kamal.

Shikabala and substitute Ahmed Gaafar, who was introduced late in the first half instead of Qatari winger Hussein Yasser, scored two goals in quick succession to level the score just before the break.

Zamalek's defensive fragilities cost them again as Hussein Hamdi restored MCDR's advantage nine minutes past the hour but towering striker Gaafar struck again few minutes later to equalize.

A trademark header from central defender Mahmoud Fathallah with seven minutes remaining gave Zamalek, who should have won by a larger margin after squandering several clear-cut chances in the dying minutes, all three points.

"We lacked concentration and wasted many goalscoring opportunities today," Hassan, who shoulders the White Knights' hopes of leading them to a league triumph for the first time since 2004, added.

"We also suffered from recurring defensive mistakes but what matters most is that we were able to win."

The hard-fought win lifted Zamalek to second place in the league table on 14 points, just one behind leaders and surprise package Police Union.