Hany Abou Rida, head of the Egyptian Football Association, reached out to Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football, to sort out a visa snag threatening foreign players from Al Ahly and Pyramids FC.
The issue stems from South Africa’s strict entry rules for certain nationalities, including demands for permanent work contracts. With Al Ahly set to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League semi-final and Pyramids FC taking on Orlando Pirates, the timing couldn’t be worse.
An official source in the Egyptian Football Association told Kooora: “Abou Rida contacted Motsepe to resolve the matter amicably, to avoid depriving any foreign player from Al Ahly and Pyramids of not playing the first leg matches in South Africa.”
Al Ahly’s squad boasts a strong foreign contingent: “Moroccan trio Achraf Bencharki, Achraf Dari and Yahya Attiat Allah, in addition to Slovenian Nijk Gradicar, Palestinian Wissam Abu Ali and Tunisian Ali Maaloul.” Abou Rida’s quick move aims to keep the teams at full strength.
