Some 70,000 Egyptian fans will be allowed to attend Egypt’s World Cup home qualifier against Uganda at Alexandria’s Borg El-Arab Stadium on 5 September, according to sports minister Khaled Abdel-Aziz.

In a bid to make their first World Cup appearance since 1990, Egypt will be eyeing victories against Uganda, both home and away, as the Pharaohs are currently at the top of Group E.

Uganda announced 31 August as the date for their World Cup qualifier with Egypt, as Hector Cuper’s men aim to make it three wins out of three following victories over Congo away and Ghana at home.

With Egypt eyeing nothing less than home wins against Uganda and Congo in the group’s penultimate rounds, the ministry will allow fans to support their national side to boost their qualification chances against The Cranes in September.

Domestic games have been held behind closed doors in Egypt ever since the Port Said and Air Defense Stadium disasters, where dozens lost their lives in what were the country’s most tragic sporting events.

The only exceptions were Egypt’s representatives’ home games in CAF competitions, where a limited number of fans has been allowed to attend due to regulations set by Africa’s football governing body.      

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