Abedi: Don’t be afraid to be in Cairo

Ghana football ambassador Abedi Ayew Pele has advised the Black Stars to focus on the return leg World Cup play-off against Egypt and leave the security concerns with officials.

The ex-Ghana international said security is paramount on the agenda of Ghana officials and nothing will be left to chance in Cairo hence the players and fans should just wait patiently for November 19.

Abedi, who was part of a Ghana delegation that met Fifa officials in Lome, Togo on Monday to deliberate on the security situation in trouble spot Cairo, said there is no cause for alarm.

“Everybody should be relaxed about it. The FA boss and the minister are doing all they can to ensure that player and fans are safe,” the maestro told Accra-based Citi FM. “The measures have not been completed, it is an ongoing process but rest assured everything is been done to make sure all parties will be safe.”

He added: “For now we have been able to push FIFA to agree that for now the game will be held in Egypt but as times go by if anything comes up and they realize that the security arrangements are not adequate, if the slightest hint of doubt arises they will call off the match.

“There should be now worries for the players. If the Minister and the GFA President are willing to drive for two and a half hours, and I am willing to wake up at 4 AM to get to Lome they should know that we are worried enough for them so they should concentrate on the game.”

The Black Stars will face off with the Pharaohs of Cairo next Tuesday in a battle to determine who takes one of five slots reserved for Africa at the 2014 World Cup. Ghana beat Egypt 6-1 in the first-leg in Kumasi on October 15.