Latest news with #Cairo-hosted
Daily Maverick
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Sundowns and Pirates must overcome mythical Cairo to fulfil dream South Africa final
South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates will have to endure hostile and passionate crowds in Cairo in order to make it to the Champions League final after 0-0 stalemates on home soil. As a point of reference for African soccer, the Egyptian city of Cairo boasts a rich history. It is the headquarters of the Confederation for African Football (Caf). It is also home to two of the most successful clubs in the history of the African Champions League — bitter foes Al Ahly and Zamalek — which have 17 titles between them. Although Zamalek have regressed in recent decades, their city rivals are still the gold standard of African soccer. Currently in the semifinals, where South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns stand in their way, Al Ahly are aiming for a sixth successive Champions League final and a three-peat of continental triumphs. The Red Devils were crowned African champions for a record-extending 12th time last season. In their semifinal fixture against DR Congo's TP Mazembe, they found themselves in exactly the same situation they face against Sundowns after the first leg of the 2024/25 semifinals. A year ago, they drew 0-0 with Mazembe in Lubumbashi, as they did with Sundowns in Pretoria a week ago. However, Sundowns will be out to avoid the fate that befell Mazembe as they were bludgeoned 3-0 by the Red Devils in the Cairo-hosted second leg. Raucous crowd Key to that success was the raucous sea of red-clad supporters that had flocked to the Cairo International Stadium. Their cheers for the record African champions, and jeers for the opposition, were crucial in what ended up being an emphatic semifinal victory. North African countries have some of the most passionate and extreme soccer fans in the world. Al Ahly's army of red is right up there in this regard. They will be in full voice (with disruptive lasers out to play as well) for the second leg of their clash with Sundowns on Friday, 25 April. The tickets that were made available for the 75,000-seater Cairo Stadium-hosted contest sold out. Although they have only been crowned African champions once before, Sundowns are perennial participants in the Champions League. So whatever cauldron-like Cairo throws them, they should be able to handle as they bid for a first final appearance since 2016 in Africa. 'I still believe we can beat Al Ahly because we didn't lose to them (in the first leg). There is a lot to be played for still and we can do that out of belief and capacity for what we can put on the pitch,' said Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso. 'We are going there expecting a different match. Whoever goes through, the other team will not be happy. But whoever goes through will be strong because these are the two best teams in Africa. One will suffer in the end, but I hope we can be strong enough to cope,' the Portuguese tactician stated. Respite for Pirates Pirates are also in Cairo, where they are set to take on Pyramids. The Buccaneers have some respite compared to Masandawana. Unlike their historically dominant compatriots, Pyramids are the newbies of African soccer. This season marks just their second Champions League outing, and they are in the semis for the first time in their history. In fact, Pyramids were only formed in 2008, operating as Al Assiouty. A decade later they became Pyramids under new ownership. They have steadily established themselves as a force in the Egyptian Premier League, and now Africa. Due to their infancy in comparison to the other teams in the last four of the Champions League, the atmosphere at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo when Pyramids take on Pirates will not be as raucous as that between the Red Devils and Sundowns. Nevertheless, the Sea Robbers will have to be at their ruthless best in order to vanquish the Egyptians on their home soil and reach their first Champions League final since 2013. That year Pirates were beaten by Al Ahly. 'This 0-0 scoreline (from the first leg) is a tricky result for both teams. So, we can anticipate a really interesting second leg, and trust me, we will do everything to make it possible to go to the final,' said Pirates coach Jose Riveiro. Both Pirates and Sundowns will draw inspiration from the fact they head into Friday's second legs without any deficit. Yet, they will know that not many come out unscathed when they travel to mythical Cairo. DM Friday, 25 April:
Egypt Independent
29-03-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Egyptian, Saudi FMs discuss ongoing efforts to uphold ceasefire in Gaza
Foreign and Emigration Minister Badr Abdelatty discussed over the phone with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud ongoing Egyptian-Qatari efforts to maintain a ceasefire in Gaza and ensure the implementation of the three phases of the ceasefire agreement that came into force on January 19. They also discussed existing coordination with the United States and the Arab-backed plan for the early recovery and reconstruction of Gaza. The phone call falls within the framework of regular contacts between the two countries. It aims at following up on the outcome of the Cairo-hosted meetings of the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee on Gaza. The two ministers also reviewed the latest developments related to a number of regional crises in the Red Sea, Sudan and the Horn of Africa. They stressed the importance of continuing joint coordination to de-escalate the situation in the region and avoid plunging it into a state of heightened tension.
Egypt Independent
22-03-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Egypt denies claims on temporarily relocating half million Gazans to designated city in North Sinai
Egypt has categorically and unequivocally denied claims circulated by some media outlets that it is prepared to temporarily relocate half a million Gaza residents to a designated city in North Sinai as part of Gaza's reconstruction. The Egyptian State Information Service (SIS) issued a statement Friday 21/3/2025 affirming the falsehood of these baseless allegations, which fundamentally and completely contradict Egypt's firm and principled stance declared from the early days of the genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023. 'Egypt has resolutely and definitively rejected any attempt to forcibly or voluntarily displace Palestinian brothers and sisters to any location outside Gaza, especially to Egyptian territories, as this would represent the liquidation of the Palestinian cause and pose an imminent threat to Egypt's national security,' SIS said. It concluded its statement by emphasizing that Egypt's steadfast and clear position forms the basis of the plan it presented at the recent Cairo-hosted emergency Arab summit for Gaza's reconstruction. 'This plan, which Egypt proposed to support Gaza's rebuilding without relocating a single Palestinian brother or sister from the Palestinian territories, was unanimously approved by the summit.'
Middle East
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Middle East
OPEN// Egypt denies claims on temporarily relocating half a million Gazans to a designated city in North Sinai
CAIRO, March 21 (MENA) - Egypt has categorically and unequivocally denied claims circulated by some media outlets that it is prepared to temporarily relocate half a million Gaza residents to a designated city in North Sinai as part of Gaza's reconstruction. The Egyptian State Information Service (SIS) issued a statement Friday affirming the falsehood of these baseless allegations, which fundamentally and completely contradict Egypt's firm and principled stance declared from the early days of the genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023. 'Egypt has resolutely and definitively rejected any attempt to forcibly or voluntarily displace Palestinian brothers and sisters to any location outside Gaza, especially to Egyptian territories, as this would represent the liquidation of the Palestinian cause and pose an imminent threat to Egypt's national security,' SIS said. It concluded its statement by emphasizing that Egypt's steadfast and clear position forms the basis of the plan it presented at the recent Cairo-hosted emergency Arab summit for Gaza's reconstruction. 'This plan, which Egypt proposed to support Gaza's rebuilding without relocating a single Palestinian brother or sister from the Palestinian territories, was unanimously approved by the summit.' (MENA) S A S/R E E
Middle East
06-03-2025
- Politics
- Middle East
Jordan's amb says Arab consensus strengthens Gaza reconstruction
CAIRO, March 5 (MENA) – Jordan's Ambassador to Egypt, Amjad al-Adaileh welcomed the Arab consensus on Egypt's plan for Gaza reconstruction. He told MENA that this unity strengthens the Arab position, supports Palestinian rights, and rejects any forced displacement. He noted that King Abdullah II of Jordan stressed the importance of international backing for the plan and reaffirmed the strong coordination between Egypt and Jordan in defending Palestinian stability. Adaileh outlined the main points of the king's speech to the Cairo-hosted extraordinary Arab summit yesterday. These include rejecting any attempts to remove Palestinians from their land, supporting Palestinian Authority reforms, ensuring Gaza and the West Bank remain connected, and protecting Islamic and Christian sites in Jerusalem. He also reaffirmed that the two-state solution is the only viable path to lasting peace. He stated that Gaza's reconstruction must go hand in hand with governance reforms. The next step is securing global political and financial support, as this plan is the most practical solution to stabilize Gaza, he said. The diplomat confirmed that Arab nations will engage international partners to promote the plan. He thanked Egypt for hosting the summit and praised Bahrain's role in unifying the Arab stance on Palestinian rights. (MENA) H A T/R E E
