 Egypt are counting on Mido |
Worries over security will force Mauritius to play Saturday's Nations Cup qualifier against Egypt in front of an invited crowd of just a few hundred people. Officials said 800 guests would be at the game, which has been moved to Rose-Hill from Quartier Militaire, after talks between police and the Mauritius FA.
No tickets are being put on sale for the game, and only officials, players, sponsors and members of a local football academy will be allowed to watch.
The safety concerns are based on the conflict in Iraq and ethnic and religious tensions in Mauritius.
Violence in 1999 resulted in a 19-month ban on all international matches being hosted on the island. When Mauritius played Egypt in the preliminary round of the 2002 World Cup qualifiers, the islanders forfeited home advantage and both legs were played in Egypt.
Football in Mauritius has been plagued by clashes between the country's different racial groups.
Most of the population are of Indian descent and are divided between Hindus and Muslims.
Egypt need to win the match to stand a good chance of finishing top of their group.
Mauritius set an all-time low for attendance at an African Nations Cup qualifier in June 2001 when 78 spectators paid to watch their side lose to Liberia at Belle Vue.
MMIX
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