Soccer adds to Egypt-Sudan-Ethiopia tensions

Soccer politics is at play as Sudan's Al-Merrikh Club insists to play its match against Egypt's Al-Ahly in CAF's Champions League in Ethiopia, giving rise to fears in Egypt from possible fan violence.
Sudan's Al-Merrikh club fans hold up images of team players as they gather to watch their team play against Congo's AC Leopards during the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final soccer match at the Merreikh Stadium, Khartoum, Sudan, Nov. 10, 2012.
Sudan's Al-Merrikh club fans hold up images of team players as they gather to watch their team play against Congo's AC Leopards during the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final soccer match at the Merreikh Stadium, Khartoum, Sudan, Nov. 10, 2012. - Ebrahim Hamid/AFP via Getty Images
AmrEmam.jpg
Amr Emam
@dreamyworld33

CAIRO — Soccer fans in Egypt are angry at Al-Merrikh, one of Sudan's top soccer teams, for requesting to play its match against Egypt's Al-Ahly team in a continental competition not in Sudan, but in Ethiopia.

A draw for the round of 16 of the Champions League of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) placed the two teams in one group, together with Al-Hilal, another Sudanese team, and South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns.

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