Egypt request postponement of 2013 Afcon qualifier against Central African Republic

Egypt have sent an official request to the Confederation of African Football (Caf) for the Pharaoh’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against the Central African Republic to be postponed due to ongoing unrest in the country following the Port Said tragedy that resulted in the deaths of at least 74 people. The fixture is currently set for February 29 in Bangui.

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News of the request was posted on the Egyptian Football Association’s (EFA) official website. Given that the entire board was dismissed by the Egyptian government, the request has emanated from the executive office of the EFA and not from Samir Zaher or his associates who are under investigation for their possible roles in the Port Said events.

Nevertheless, a Bob Bradley led training camp is still scheduled to begin next week. Players from Al-Ahly will not be part of the squad as the club continues to cope with the fallout from their match against Al Masri.

Two friendlies were originally meant to be played to prepare for the upcoming qualifier but Egyptian authorities have yet to give their approval for them to take place.