The 23-year-old used to be Zamalek's regular striker but the arrival of coach Hossam Hassan deprived him of that role.

Hassan preferred to rely on towering striker Ahmed Gaafar as a lone frontman, demoting Ashraf to the bench.

Gaafar scored seven goals in as many league games but was not at his best during the past two games, including the one against Gouna, to prompt Hassan to try out an alternative.

Ashraf replaced Gaafar and soon made an impact, breaking the offside trap before drilling a low shot into the bottom corner for his fourth goal of the season.

"I hope to have more chances in the first team in the coming games," he said on Zamalek's official website.

"I will do my best to grasp this chance with both hands to contribute to Zamalek's fine run."

Zamalek won nine matches out of 11 to move up to second in the league table, six points behind leaders and arch-rivals Ahli who have a game in hand.

The Cairo giants, who faced the unthinkable prospect of being relegated to the second division prior to Hassan's arrival, will be looking to at least finish second to book a place in the African Champions League.