FIFA are still monitoring the security of Cairo ahead of this month's World Cup qualifying playoff against Ghana, says chairman Sepp Blatter. Even though Egyptian authorities have confirmed that the November 19 clash will be held at Cairo's Air Defense Stadium with a maximum of 30000 fans, FIFA refuses to acknowledge the venue. "We should be very careful because they (Ghana) fear something should (might) happen," FIFA chairman Blatter said in public comments released on Wednesday. "We are looking at this matter, there have been matches played in Egypt, international club matches, but we must be careful." Ghana, who are comfortably leading 6-1 from the first leg, have already requested moving the return game to a neutral venue before their massive victory in Kumasi. Egyptian authorities, led by Sports Minister Taher Abou-Zeid, have repeatedly insisted that security will be at a high level at the military-run Air Defense Stadium.
Psyched up Despite Blatter's doubts, Ghana FA president Kwesi Nyantakyi revealed that the Black Stars players are no more anxious about playing in Cairo. "Initially [the players] had fears but we have spoken to them and they are psyched up, " Nyantakyi, who insisted before that it was not safe to play in Egypt, said. "The players are now ready to play." Nyantakyi added to Asempa FM Sports: "Only a miracle will see Egypt through to the World Cup. I can't imagine Ghana being eliminated with this huge advantage. "We will go to Egypt and beat them again. We show the whole world that the 6-1 victory is no fluke."
