Hassan Mostafa slotted past Samir Ashour in the 45th minute before Mohamed Barakat doubled the lead with a lofted ball two minutes into the second period.

Former Zamalek defender Wael Al-Qabani pulled one back from a wonderful set-piece in the 54th minute.

Telecom Egypt finished the game with nine players after Ahmed Radwan and Amr Anwar saw red after picking up two yellow cards each.

Manager Tarek Yehia also received his marching orders in protest over the referee.

The defending champions climbed to first place with 17 points, one ahead of Al-Gaish, who still have one match in hand.

Newly-promoted side Telecom Egypt stay eighth with nine points.

A calm first half almost went eventless till the last minute when a silky pass from Mohamed Abou-Treika sent Mostafa through.

He chested the ball down to avoid Al-Qabani's challenge before tucking past the keeper.

In the 47th minute, Barakat stretched the advantage with a classy effort as he controlled Flavio's headed pass inside the area before volleying over the head of the advancing goalie.

Al-Qabani sparked his side into life seven minutes later, converting a perfectly curling free-kick from an acute angle.

Egypt keeper Essam Al-Hadari stretched dive failed to block the shot.