CAIRO - Egypt defeated Comoros 5-1 in the opening match of the Embassies Quintets Premier League, held at the Sports Development Centre in Heliopolis. The match was played at a feverish pace, much to the delight of the spectators. The opening ceremony of the tournament, attended by Sports Minister Al-Amri Farouq, included a sports demonstration by students in the Faculty of Physical Education, Beni Sueif University. “The Embassies League reflects Egypt's leading role in the Middle East," stressed Minister Farouq at the opening ceremony. "Such sporting events allow people to enjoy an exciting competition and encourage the exchange of experiences and cultures, strengthening their friendships and relationships," Farouq explained. The draw for the Embassies League, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Sports, was held on Monday last week. Group A includes Palestine, Uganda, Sudan and Malaysia, while Group B comprises Egypt, Niger, South Sudan and the Comoros. Group C consists of the Philippines, the Arab League, Zimbabwe and the Czech Republic, whereas Group D is composed of Burundi, Tanzania, Algeria and Indonesia. Group E includes South Africa, Spain and Libya. Group F involves of Greece, Serbia and Vietnam, Group G lists Kazakhstan, France and Kuwait, and Group H includes Russia, Britain, Uzbekistan and Mauritius. "This league is just the start and we are now working on boosting international sports in Egypt, with the help of the Egyptian Sport Federation for Diplomatic Missions ‘soon to be established'," Farouq pointed out, stressing that their activities will also extend to other sports, not just football. "This league will also boost relations at the diplomatic level," he continued. "It promotes sport as a bridge for dialogue between different cultures, stressing peace, love and rejecting all forms of violence."
