THE NATIONAL football team takes on Zimbabwe today in the third friendly match Egypt plays in preparation for the 25th African Nations Cup which Egypt will host from 20 January to 10 February. The match will be played in Alexandria, in the 20,000-seat Alexandria Stadium, venue of the tournament's Group C. Egypt has been warming up in Alexandria. The pharaohs, who play in Group A of the ANC, are grouped with Libya, Morocco and Ivory Coast. Zimbabwe is in Group D which will play in Port Said. Last week, the Egyptians won a four-nation international LG tournament in Cairo. The Egyptians beat Uganda 2-0 in the opening match then outclassed Senegal 4-2 in the final to win the tournament's trophy and $50,000 in prize money. The runners up claimed $30,000 while third place went to Uganda who came from behind to beat Ecuador 2-1 in the play-off match for third place. The Ugandans cashed in $20,000. The tournament was a chance to test not only the team but the grounds of the newly refurbished 74,100-seat Cairo Stadium. Though the opening day saw no more than 5,000 spectators, the final saw more than 50,000. The number apparently increased because of the milder weather and because of those who wanted to see the makeover Cairo Stadium, in which stone benches have been replaced by seats. The stadium, which was closed for 18 months and which was revamped with LE140 million, was officially opened on the first day of the tournament, on 27 December. On the occasion, fireworks were lit to mark the opening of the stadium, which was built in 1960. However, officials, media and fans were disappointed with the disorganised entrance and exit procedures. Police and security made it difficult for fans and officials to enter the stadium, even though it was just a friendly match, and one for free. Security personnel have often been accused of ruining many important matches and events at the stadium. For example, Egyptian Football Association board member Hazem El-Hawwari took 45 minutes to enter the stadium. But LOC tournament director Khaled Abdel-Aziz said the LG tournament was not sponsored by the LOC. "It wasn't our tournament. We are not to be blamed for any mistakes or setbacks in the organisation. We were there but we were invited by the EFA. We are in charge of the infrastructure and the refurbishment." LOC president Hani Abu Reida said the LOC will meet security officials this week to set up a plan for the stadiums' entry and exit. Egypt is also scheduled to play two more friendlies, against Nigeria and South Africa, on 11 and 14 January
