CAIRO: In support of their national football team, thousands of Egyptians are flocking to Sudan Wednesday to attend the World Cup qualifier against Algeria. The Ministry of Civil Aviation announced that it has opened an "air bridge to the Sudanese capital Khartoum on Nov. 17, 18 and 19 to transport Egyptian fans to attend the game and support the national football team for a fixed price. General Emad Sallam, head of the Civil Aviation Authority, said in a press statement that Minister of Civil Aviation Ahmed Shafik supports the national football team and the Egyptian people in this play-off and that all airlines, whether public or private, are contributing with flights to Khartoum. In addition, the ministry has pardoned all airlines that will participate from any take-off, landing and airspace fees. Egypt beat Algeria 2-0 last Saturday to tie Algeria for first place in Group C. Football fans started planning trips to Sudan, where both teams will face off again, as soon as the match ended. Secretary General of the ruling National Democratic Party called in on the television show, El Beit Beitak, and announced that the party will send 1,000 young people to Sudan to attend the game for free. According to filgoal.com, the Egyptian Football Association will also send four airplanes of fans to Sudan for free. Many people are organizing their own trips and offering different packages. One businessman and former board member of Al-Ahly Club, has booked a charter flight to Sudan for his family and friends. Trips range in price from costs LE 2,500 to LE 3,000 per person including airfare, second class tickets to the match, a shuttle bus from Khartoum airport to the stadium and back, as well as a box of food drinks for the entire day. Officials inside the Health Quarantine at Cairo International Airport told Egynews.net that it is necessary for the people going to Sudan have to get vaccinated against Cholera, Malaria and meningitis. The crucial encounter will be held at Al-Merreikh Stadium s in Omdurman, which can host up to 40,000 spectators.
