It may not matter as much after a 6-1 loss in the first leg, but Egypt will host Ghana in the nations’ final World Cup qualifier on Nov. 19 in Cairo, FIFA announced Wednesday. The Ghana Football Association protested the initial plan to play in the Egyptian capital because of security concerns.
“The GFA wishes to assure Ghanaians and the football fraternity that we are fully focused on preparing the team to win the match in Cairo and qualify for the 2014 World Cup without compromising on the security of our delegation,” the federation said in an official statement. “The GFA will soon unveil its preparation plans for the Black Stars ahead of the match in Cairo.”
FIFA received adequate proof that the stadium will be secure and safe from the crowd violence that has marred several Egyptian games since the start of the revolution in the country. Officials were swayed by a recent inspection, as well as CAF’s decision to host the Champions League final at the same stadium on Nov. 10 and Egypt’s guarantees of security.
It’s a moral victory, small in comparison to Ghana’s 6-1 romp in Kumasi on Oct. 15, but it at least ensures that Egyptian fans will get the proper home game they deserve.
(MORE: Huge first leg loss to Ghana leave Bob Bradley, Egypt looking for miracles)
