Zamalek extended their winless domestic run to three matches after settling for another 0-0 draw against El-Entag El-Harby in the Egyptian Premier League on Tuesday.
The White Knights, whose title hopes are all but over, could not finish off their chances for a second consecutive game despite their array of attacking talents.
The likes of Moroccan forward Achraf Bencharki, Tunisian midfielder Ferjani Sassi and striker Mostafa Mohamed could not make the most of the gaps left by an adventurous approach from Entag.
Zamalek remain fourth in the table with 15 points, a massive nine points behind leaders and defending champions Ahly, who still have a game in hand. Entag are fifth, also on 15 points.
The Cairo giants would realistically need to focus on finishing second to earn an African Champions League spot. They are seven points behind second-placed Arab Contractors, who played a game more.
Better side
Although Zamalek spurned a golden chance to go ahead in the first half when Bencharki broke clear from the halfway line, only to fire straight at the advancing keeper, El-Entag were the better side.
Striker Bassem Morsi, who is on loan at Entag from Zamalek, could have scored after 20 minutes when he was found unmarked by a superb flick to the far post, but his weak effort was easily collected by keeper Mohamed Abou-Gabal.
Abou-Gabal was on alert again two minutes before the break to parry a shot from Alaa Salama from a tight angle, with Moussa Diawara blasting the rebound high over.
Zamalek struggled to break down El-Entag in the second half but still had some decent efforts.
Their best one came with 12 minutes remaining when deep-lying forward Youssef Ibrahim was released by a defence-splitting pass but his tame shot was thwarted by the keeper.
