Zamalek fans (Photo: El Sayed Abdel-Qader)
Zamalek will have their home fans' support when they host Ghanaian side Berekum Chelsea in an African Champions League game next Saturday.
"We received official approval from the ministry of interior to hold the Chelsea game at the Military Academy Stadium on 1 September in the presence of our supporters," Zamalek Executive Director Alaa Meqled told the club's official website.
Spectators have been banned from Egyptian football matches since the 1 February Port Said stadium disaster, when a league match between Masry and Zamalek ended with deadly clashes leaving more than 70 dead and hundreds injured.
Since then, all domestic football competitions have been suspended.
Giants Ahly and Zamalek have been allowed to play in the Champions League, but their home games have been played behind closed doors.
Zamalek attempted to get some home support during the last round's game against TP Mazembe, but their request was turned down.
"We have yet to be notified about the number of supporters that will be allowed to attend the game, as we will have a limited audience that should increase gradually," Meqled added.
President Mohamed Morsi, PM Hisham Qandil and Sports Minister El-Amri Farouq have announced that the return of domestic football activities – including bringing supporters back to the stands – was one of their priorities.
The Whites will be playing for their pride when they take on Ghanaian Chelsea next Saturday after being knocked out of the race to the semis.
The five-time African champions registered their worst ever performance in the competition after conceding four straight defeats to fall to the bottom of group B behind leaders Ahly (10 points), TP Mazembe (7 points) and Berekum Chelsea (5 points).
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