President meets FA & Ministry on Cairo game

President John Mahama says Ghana will hold FIFA and the Egyptian Authorities responsible for any harm done any member of the Black Stars team, its officials or Ghanaian Supporters in the Cairo World Cup return leg.

President Mahama said he has been concerned about the unstable political situation in Cairo and the safety of players and supporters.

“While we are reassured, we will hold FIFA and the Egyptian authorities responsible for any harm that is caused to any member of our team or supporters”, President Mahama warned.

He also called for Muslim prayers in all Mosques on Friday, and Christian prayers on Sunday for the team.

The president served the warning when the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Joseph Yamin, and GFA Vice President Fred Crentsil visited him at the Flagstaff House Thursday to brief him on the current security situation in Egypt.

Ghana petitioned FIFA twice to move the 2014 World Cup qualifier from Cairo due to the political unrest in the North African country, but the World Football governing body remains adamant and sanctioned that the match comes off as scheduled.

Crenstil reassured President Mahama of the safety and security of the Black Stars players and supporters who will be in Cairo Tuesday for the return leg of the final qualifying match for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

According to Crentsil, the Egyptian authorities have laid out clear security arrangements and adequately briefed the Ghanaian delegation.

He said in addition to the arrangements of the Egyptians, Ghana’s National Security team and officials of the Ministry of Youth and Sports are already in Cairo to double check the security measures.

Answering questions from President Mahama, Crentsil said the Ghanaian side has drawn the attention of the host authorities about the use of laser lights on the face of opposing goalkeepers by fans, and have received the assurance of the security team that it will be prevented.

Deputy Sports Minister Yamin said a chartered flight will transport the Ghanaian supporters into Cairo before the match and will leave shortly after the match.

Ghana is on the verge of making a third straight World Cup appearance next year but has a daunting task against the Egyptians.

Coach Akwasi Appiah’s charges are now to travel to Cairo to complete the qualification series.

The team is currently in Istanbul, Turkey finalising their preparations towards the November 19 clash to be played at the Air Defence Stadium in Cairo

Flagstaff  House