CAIRO: Amr Zaki earned praise from Wigan s assistant coach Eric Black after scoring the equalizer in the 1-1 draw with Sunderland on Saturday.
The Egyptian international netted his fourth goal in as many games, topping the Premiership s scorers’ list.
Twelve minutes to minutes Wigan’s Maynor Figueroa’s cross from the left eluded a Sunderland defender and went into the path of Zaki, whose close-range left-footed effort went in at the near post.
It wasn t the best of strikes but certainly he will take it, Black was quoted as saying by the club website.
That was probably his least effective game and he was still fantastic.
Zaki was the star player during Egypt s 1-0 away victory over DR Congo despite not scoring.
He returned to England and the coaching staff feared he would be burnt out but Zaki put yet another impressive performance to grab a point for Wigan.
He worked hard and deserved the goal. That shows the type of player he is.
The visitors took the lead on the quarter hour mark when Wigan defender Titus Bramble headed Steed Malbranque’s cross into his own net.
But Egyptian striker Zaki, who scored twice in Wigan s 5-1 drubbing of Hull City last month, caused havoc for Sunderland s defenders to ensure the Latics would get something from the game.
The Bulldozer saw a powerful 25-yards drive smothered by Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon five minutes past the hour mark.
Zaki, who joined from Zamalek on a season-long loan, was unlucky not to draw the hosts level in the 70th minute.
He headed Jason Koumas’ left-wing cross goalwards but his effort struck the outside of the post.
Zaki was substituted one minute from time, making way for Austrian midfielder Paul Scharner.
The 25-year-old took his tally to four goals in the elite competition to become joint top scorer with Portsmouth striker Jermain Defoe.
