The Alexandria-based club, who have 19 points, leapfrogged Zamalek after extending their unbeaten streak to seven matches.

Telecom, who lost three league games before facing Hodoud, slipped to tenth place in the table with 16 points.

Hodoud could have snatched a victory over Telecom had they converted several clear-cut chances in the first half.

Their best chance came through diminutive midfielder Mohamed Mekki, who latched onto Abdul-Salam Nagah's superb back-heel pass to go clear on goal.

But Telecom's Ghanaian keeper William Amamoo rushed out to block Meeki's effort in a superb fashion.

Telecom coach Helmi Toulan introduced Egyptian League top scorer Ahmed Gaafar instead of Moataz Mahrous in the second half.

Gaafar, who scored seven goals so far, almost made an immediate impact.

He was released by Geoffrey Massa's deft pass but he mis-hit his shot from inside the area to waste a glorious opportunity.