Police reinforcements called in ahead of U-23 AFCON opener

CAIRO – 8 November 2019: Ahead of the opening game of Africa U-23 Cup of Nations at Cairo Stadium on Friday, police reinforcements were called in to the vicinity of the stadium, according to a statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Interior.

Africa U-23 Cup of Nations gets underway on Friday night when Egypt kicks off the tournament against tournament favorites, Mali. Apart from securing the match, Police forces will secure exit and entry for the two teams, the statement added.

Egypt U-23 national team manager, Shawki Gharib, promises Egyptian fans that the team will show character during Africa U-23 Cup of Nations.

“Our squad depends on domestic based players but this is not a problem for us because they have high qualities. I can assure our fans we are ready to deliver.” Gharib said.

The Egyptian team aims to secure one of the three tickets qualifying for 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Additional reporting by Mohamed Sultan