The Whites' defeat and Ismaili's 1-0 win over Harras Al-Hodoud meant that the Dervishes took over in the runner-up spot after champions Ahli, who drew 0-0 with Gaish.

Mohamed Fadl's winner in Ismailia helped Ismaili level on 53 points with Zamalek, but the Dervishes have a better goal difference.

On the other hand, Telecom's victory boosted their chances of survival, as they jumped to 11th place with 31 points.

Abdul-Aziz Show

Zamalek ended the first half as victors as Gamal Hamza broke the deadlock seven minutes from the break when he skillfully flicked in Osama Hosni's cross.

However, Telecom made a courageous comeback in the second-half, inspired by a superb performance from Nigerian striker Abdul-Wahed Abdul-Aziz.

Shortly after the break, Abdul-Aziz capitalized on a fatal error by Wissem El-Abdi, who sluggishly lost possession to the Telecom forward.

The through-on-goal Abdul-Aziz fed Magdi Abdul-Aati with a sumptuous pass, only for the latter to hit the empty net.

The on-fire Abdul-Aziz put Telecom in front in the 63rd minute, with a close range tap-in.

The Nigerian then outpaced Ahmed Magdi, who felled him inside the area, giving the referee no option but to point to the spot.

However, Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed blocked Abdul-Aati's penalty, but Diaa Abdul-Rahman notched in on the rebound in the 70th minute.

Four minutes later, Hamza added his second of the game with a magnificent curling shot from 25 yards out, a contender for goal of the season.