FIFA approves Cairo for Ghana-Egypt second leg

World football governing body, FIFA has approved Cairo as venue for Ghana’s second leg World Cup play-off with Egypt next month.

A communiqué from FIFA on Wednesday said the venue was approved following recent visit to Egypt despite persistent protest from the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

It said that “the decision of CAF to host the Champions League final on 10 November at the Air Defence Stadium shows that the current situation in Egypt has turned back to normal”.

A security inspection delegation from FIFA is said to have visited Egypt after Ghana raised concerns about the safety of the venue following recent turmoil in the North African country that necessitated a suspension of the Egyptian league.

The GFA pushed for the game to be played at a neutral ground, citing frail security in Egypt for the November 19 tie which could authenticate the Black Stars third successive appearance at the World Cup.

The seven times African champions who are hoping to overturn a 1-6 results are expected to allow supporters into the 30,000-plus arena.

Ghana, Africa’s best performer at the Mundial in recent editions require only a drew to advance to the 2014 Brazil World Cup.

Source: GNA