The interior ministry has rejected Ahly's request for their CAF Champions League match against Libya's Ahly Benghazi to be played at Cairo Stadium.

On Sunday, Ahly and Zamalek both submitted official requests to play their Champions League round of 16 return legs in Cairo.

Even Gouna Stadium, which was set to host Ahly's match in front of 2,000 fans, will not now be hosting the match, according Ahly football director Hady Khashaba.

"The authorities have refused to stage our return leg against Ahly Benghazi at Cairo Stadium," Khashaba told the club's website.

"Gouna Stadium had been already rejected by the CAF."

Authorities have been reluctant to stage continental fixtures in Cairo after altercations between ultras fans and police took place last month.

Ahly were involved in a similar saga a fortnight ago when security officials refused to hold their round of 32 return leg against Tanzania's Young Africans in Cairo, a decision that eventually prompted them to play at Alexandria's Max Stadium.

It remains to be seen where Ahly – who trail 1-0 to Benghazi after the first leg – will be hosting the match, set to be played behind closed doors due to ongoing political turmoil.

The game will take place on 29 March.

The date of the match between Zamalek and Nkana Red Devils, who played out a goalless in Zambia, has yet to be determined.   

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