Al Ahly boosted by rare lifting of 30,000-fan restriction for di Sundowns match-up

In a striking development, Al Ahly has been granted full-capacity approval for Friday's clash against Mamelodi Sundowns, turning up the heat in the CAF Champions League semi-final second leg in Cairo.

- HERMAN GIBBS

Recently, Egyptian authorities have capped attendance at CAF matches to a maximum of 30,000 fans. This rule was strictly enforced in Cairo last week when South African minnows Stellenbosch FC shocked the football world by upsetting Zamalek in the Confederation Cup match.

Egyptian giants Al Ahly appealed to their Ministry of Sport after their officials emphasised the significance of the match and the potential impact of an electrifying crowd on the outcome.

As a result, the Cairo International Stadium will host a capacity crowd of 75,000 fans for this high-stakes encounter.