The Egyptian and Ugandan national football teams will face off tonight in the third round of qualifiers for the 2018 world cup tournament in Russia.
Uganda topped group E on Thursday after beating Egypt 1-0 in the match played in Kampala. Egypt hopes to qualify for the upcoming world cup to make up for its absence since 1990.
Borg al-Arab stadium in Alexandria started to receive fans at 12 pm today, for the 8 pm match. Almost 60,000 fans will be allowed to attend the game.
The Interior Ministry imposed strict security measures for the stadium, anticipating riots. Head of Alexandria Security Directorate, Major General Mostafa al-Nimr, warned whoever doesn’t have a ticket to stay away from the stadium.
He added that there is a plan to secure the match in coordination with the armed forces and companies involved in organizing the event.
Nimr appealed to Egyptian fans to abide by all security measures. “Security is in place to serve the citizens and fans headed to the stadium, and they must cooperate with security.”
He warned fans against attending demonstrations with fireworks and to adhere to inspections.
Uganda currently tops Group E on 7 points, one place ahead of second-placed Egypt.
Edited Translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
