CAIRO (AP) Egypt plans to host its first international match in Cairo since 2011, ignoring calls to stage its World Cup playoff against Ghana at a neutral venue because of ongoing political unrest.
Egypt's Football Association spokesman Azmy Megahed said Tuesday the defense ministry had authorized the "full capacity" of Cairo's 30,000-seat Air Defense stadium for the second leg match on Nov. 19.
Egypt has mainly played behind closed doors since a stadium riot in Port Said in February 2012.
Next month's game, which follows a 6-1 win for Ghana last week, will decide which team reaches the 2014 World Cup.
Ghana's FA has asked FIFA to move the match because of often deadly protests in Cairo.
