Security officials have confirmed that 40,000 spectators will attend the highly anticipated Egyptian Premier League encounter between Al Ahly and Zamalek, with detailed entry arrangements and regulations put in place to manage the large crowd.
The match, part of the fifth round of the championship stage in the Egyptian Premier League, known as the Nile League, is scheduled to take place at Cairo International Stadium on Friday at 8pm local time.
Major General Sherif Talaat, head of the sports activity security sector at the African Company, outlined the operational plan in remarks to On Sport FM radio, emphasising both the scale of attendance and the need for strict adherence to regulations.
He said: “The summit match will witness the attendance of 40,000 fans, divided equally between Al-Ahly and Zamalek.”
Seating distribution and crowd management
Officials have specified the allocation of spectators across different sections of the stadium to ensure orderly management. Talaat explained: “The number of fans in the ‘third’ tier will be 16,500, the second tier 2,000, the first tier 1,000, and the VIP section 500.”
The structured distribution is intended to minimise congestion and maintain balance between the two sets of supporters, given the intense rivalry that typically surrounds fixtures between the Cairo-based clubs.
Early gate opening to ease congestion
To further reduce the risk of overcrowding, authorities have announced that stadium gates will open significantly ahead of kick-off. Talaat said: “The gates of Cairo Stadium will be opened starting at 2 pm to prevent crowding and congestion in front of the gates, i.e., 6 hours before the match, and they will be closed before the match or at the start of the match.”
This approach is designed to stagger arrivals and allow sufficient time for security checks, which are expected to be thorough due to the high-profile nature of the fixture.
Strict regulations for supporters
Fans attending the match have been urged to comply fully with security instructions. Talaat concluded: “Please adhere to entering the seating area of the class that has been reserved, and do not bring in any prohibited items such as flammable materials, fireworks and lasers, and cooperate with security personnel during inspection.”
The warning reflects a broader effort to ensure safety inside and around the stadium, particularly given the expected large turnout and the significance of the match in the league standings.
High anticipation matched by heightened security
The upcoming clash between Al Ahly and Zamalek is set to draw one of the largest crowds of the season, underlining the enduring appeal of one of African football’s most prominent rivalries. With detailed planning and strict enforcement measures in place, organisers are aiming to deliver a safe and orderly matchday experience.
As kick-off approaches, attention will not only focus on the action on the pitch but also on how effectively the security arrangements handle the influx of thousands of supporters expected to attend the encounter.
