We are satisfied that adequate measures are in place for the security of our players – Black Stars

• Posted on November 15, 2013
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

After weeks of speculation, back and forth and a series of meetings between FIFA, Ghanaian officials and their Egyptian counterparts, Ghana has finally confirmed their satisfaction with security measures put in place by Egyptian authorities.

This means that all is now set for the second leg FIFA World Cup qualifier in the vast but troubled North African nation.

Officials from the Egyptian FA laid to rest all fears and concerns raised by the Ghanaian delegation when both parties met with FIFA in a final round table discussion in Cairo on Thursday.

After a lengthy and detailed security presentation by the Egyptians, Ghana’s FA President Kwesi Nyantakyi finally confirmed satisfaction with the security status as provided thus confirming Cairo as the venue for the November 19 encounter.

“After reviewing the plan and detailed security arrangements for the match, we are satisfied that adequate measures are in place for the security of our players, officials and supporters for the match”.

According to the plan, the Ghanaian contingent will be received at the airport by a crack team of security officers to accompany the team to their hotel.

The Egyptian FA also assured the GFA that there will be security along all routes the team will employ from airport to the hotel and from hotel to the stadium at all times.

The Ghana team will be assigned an escort made up of at least 2 vehicles with a staff strength of 20-30 security officers to lead the team to all destinations.

Supporters from Ghana will also be given a dedicated location in the stadium with special security. Their total number and identities must be made known to the hosts by the GFA in addition to arrival and departure movements in Cairo.

The match itself will be heavily guarded with the deployment of a 3,000 strong security operation. Half that number would be outside with the remaining officers stationed within the stadium.

A military helicopter would also be deployed to provide air surveillance on match day.

Both Ghana and Egypt officials agreed to issue a joint press statement assuring their respective fans of adequate measures for security for the match.

-Ghana Sports International