Ismaili have assured Algeria’s JS Kabylie of their safety ahead of July’s Champions League clash, insisting they are not ready to move the game away from Ismailia.
Kabylie asked their Group B opponents to move the first match of the quarter-finals to Cairo for ‘security reasons’, citing the infamous Algeria-team bus attack prior to last November’s ill-tempered qualifier in Egypt.
But the Dervishes said there is no way they can play away from home as they ensured their hosts of a safe stay.
“We will only play in Ismailia. We can provide full security for the Algerian team when they visit us,” Ismaili board member Sayed Sedik said.
“Many Algerian teams have visited Egypt after the crisis of last year and they were warmly received. So there is nothing to worry about.
“They will be safe. We will even try to clear the air with Algeria after the recent unrest especially that we still have to play there.”
Apart from the Algerian challenge, Ismaili will also compete with bitter domestic rivals Ahli in the tough group of Africa’s top-club competition.
