The leader Zamalek, coached by the Portuguese Jesualdo Ferreira, beat Pharco (1-0), of fellow countryman Nuno Almeida, in the 31st round of the Egyptian Football League, and was closer to revalidating the title.
At Alexandria Stadium, the only goal of the match was scored just after the eighth minute, through defender Hossam Abdul-Majeed, served by midfielder Zizo, a former player for Nacional and Moreirense.
With three rounds to go in the championship, Zamalek leads the competition, with 75 points, 10 more than the second-placed Pyramids (65), who will take the field against Smouha, and 12 more than the third-placed Al Ahly. (63), by Ricardo Soares, who has one less game.
Pharco is in eighth position, with 40 points.