After the Ahli draw, Egyptian media heaped praise on 'Zamalek's promising squad' as if they have won the league title, and that’s fine considering their wretched season.

But what's unacceptable, was that shameful, yet predicted, performance against Ismaili on Tuesday, which sums up a grim era for the fallen Cairo giants.

Apart from their poor league position, that’s what Zamalek have gained as the season comes close to an end:

First; a wasted opportunity to beat an out-of-sorts Ahli side, who gave in their worst display in some time during last week's Cairo derby.

Second; the embarrassing defeat in Ismailia proved that the three-point value has become so cheap for the five-time African champions.

Zamalek lovers' right of supporting Ismaili in their title challenge with the former's arch-rivals Ahli seems to be the fag these days, but is that all what they want?

Third and most ironic; the Ismaili defeat marked an all-time record-low of losses in one league campaign for Zamalek, what an achievement! No one seems to be paying any attention to that.

I was merely shocked when I found the first article on Zamalek's official site after the Ismailia farce with the headline: 'Zamalek are the league champions next season'.

The 'chief editor' spoke of 'the terrific performances of Zamalek youth in recent weeks, their maturity and fearless displays'!

If Zamalek's sole feat this season was the emergence of young promising stars, then the club must be very cautious with the way these youngsters are brought up, because they are the future of the club.

I think what happened in Ismailia can hardly help in the process of developing a young player.

The positive factor though lies in the dismay voiced by some genuine Whites, who hate to see their team lose under any circumstance.

"What happened today was unacceptable, a strict action must be taken from the board," former Zamalek star and Modern Sport TV analyst Ashraf Kassem said after the Ismaili defeat.

Zamalek's season might be over, but some principles are considered indispensable for big teams no matter what.