The Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports confirms the confrontation between Club Africain and the members of the Cairo stadium

The Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports confirmed on Saturday 31 October 2026 that the match between Egypt's Zamalk and Tunisian Club Africain will be staged at Cairo International Stadium. The match is part of the first round of the CAF Champions League group stage for the 2026-2027 season, scheduled to take place on Saturday 28 November 2026.

The government directives issued included direct instructions to the administration of the stadium authority to postpone the winter planting of natural grass seeds and modify the pre-programmed maintenance schedule. This measure aims to make room for the completion of the continental commitments of clubs and to host international scheduled matches on the field.

The official decision came after a regulatory dispute was registered between the management of Zamalk Club and the management of the stadium, as a result of the facility's officials adhering to the periodic shutdown schedule scheduled for late November to carry out agricultural and technical improvements. The club's officials demanded that the team be able to use its usual stadium and allow for full capacity attendance, based on official correspondence directed under the supervision of the Ministry of Trustees and the Egyptian Football Federation.

Zamalk had reached the group stage after beating the Rwandan Army team by two unanswered goals in total matches of the second qualifying round of the continental competition. The draw resulted in his being in the second group, which included both Club Africain and Algerian-born and Tanzanian Young Africans.

The Cairo International Stadium Authority is aiming to start direct technical coordination with the maintenance company to implement the stadium closure programme. The field stoppage will last for about 25 days, with actual work commencing as soon as the scheduled continental meetings are completed.