The CAF Confederation Cup clash pitting Kenya Police against Zamalek, set for Friday at Cairo Stadium, will be played behind closed doors.This follows a, CAF Disciplinary Board’s decision to impose a four-game, ban on fans gracing Zamalek’s home matches following the pitch invasion witnessed in their clash against Morocco’s RS Berkane.Zamalek, beat Berkane 1-0 in Cairo to clinch the title on the away goal rule as the first leg ended 2-1 in favour of Oranges Boys in Morocco.##NAJAVA_MECA_8342684##However, the win will bear some unwanted costs as CAF has directed the club to ensure their next four matches are played behind closed doors due to crowd trouble witnessed back in May.“To impose on Zamalek SC the obligation to play behind closed doors during these four (4) next interclub matches of the CAF as host club for failure to provide the necessary security measures for the match in question as per articles 82,83 and 100 of the CAF Disciplinary Code,” read part of the ruling from CAF.According to CAF, Zamalek supporters forcefully entered the VIP section of the stand and climbed up onto the roof of the VIP stand section, which bridges the gap between the stand and the pitch after the second leg of the Confederations Cup final in Egypt.’We will win CAF Confederation Cup after beating Zamalek’- Police Chairman Munga NyaleFurther, Zamalek spectators forced their way through security and onto the pitch.The supporters were also accompanied by the excess Zamalek SC staff, players, and families who were seated in the VIP stand during the match.CAF argues that the pitch invasions by the Zamalek supporters, staff, excess players, and families, the prize-giving ceremony area was contaminated with an overflow of people, resulting in a very poor-quality prize-giving ceremony that compromised CAF’s image and the safety of their staff and officials.The White Knights might, however, have a lighter sanction as far as locking out fans is concerned.CAF president impressed with progress made in upgrading Kenyan sporting facilities“However, the Disciplinary Board has decided to suspend two (2) matches of the sanction in question provided that Zamalek SC is not found guilty of a similar incident for a period of twelve (12) months. In case Zamalek SC commits a similar infraction during this period, the two (2) suspended matches will be automatically imposed notwithstanding other sanctions that may be imposed by the CAF Disciplinary Board,” added another extract of the ruling.Besides imposing a ban on home fans gracing CAF matches, the club was fined USD 200,000 (Kshs. 25,914, 00 on current exchange rates).“To impose a fine of USD 200,000 for failure to provide the necessary security measures for the match in question as per articles 82 and 83 of the CAFDisciplinary Code,” said CAF.’It is over’- Gor Mahia fans react to heavy CAF Champions League defeat to Al AhlyPolice will hope to capitalize on the sanctions imposed on the club and turn the tie in their favour.The law enforcers lost the first leg 1-0 in Nairobi.
