Okello in charge of security for epic Afcon final
Men In Charge. South African referee Victor Gomes and Uganda’s security expert Dixon ‘Bond’ Okello (L) will run traffic in tomorrow’s 2019 Afcon final. PHOTOS BY JOHN BATANUDDE
What you need to know:
- However, video replays, though, showed the ball had came off the Atletico Madrid man’s chin. Ghana went on to lose 5-4 on penalties.
Meanwhile, tickets for the final will cost Shs110,000 (approx. $30) for the lowest and Shs165,000 (approx. $45).
Uganda Cranes’ interest in 2019 Africa Cup of Nations ended by Senegal at the Round of 16, two weeks ago.
But Uganda will still have a say in the final as Dixon ‘Bond’ Okello, a Caf Security Expert, will be in charge when Senegal clash with Algeria at the 75,000-capacity seater Cairo International Stadium tomorrow.
Nonsense approach
Okello, the nonsense stadium security guru, has left a mark at Afcon, and on Sunday his expertise along with Egyptian various security organs was tested by rowdy Algerian fans during the semi-final against Nigeria after the equaliser by the West Africans.
On Friday, Algerian are expected to outnumber the Senegalese. The Algerian fans are also divided with the France-based faction being most rowdy and having bad blood with locals North Africa. Last Sunday, six military aircrafts and 10 commercial planes from Air Algeria ferried around 2,000 fans and a similar number or more is expected.
Add the rivalry with the Egyptians, who likely to support Senegal, the security personal will have difficult time.
It is likely going to be a buffer zone and human shield will be created to avoid trouble in the stands with the Algerian and locals who don’t see eye to eye.
Big call for South Africa referee
Elsewhere, South Africa referee Victor Gomes has got the big nod and will officiate the final between West and North African teams.
The decision to award the final to the 36- year-old referee is likely to be met with some criticism after Gomes received backlash for his “mistake” in the Round of 16 match between Ghana and Tunisia.
He disallowed what looked a legitimate goal by Black Stars captain Andre Ayew for a handball by Thomas Partey.
However, video replays, though, showed the ball had came off the Atletico Madrid man’s chin. Ghana went on to lose 5-4 on penalties.
Meanwhile, tickets for the final will cost Shs110,000 (approx. $30) for the lowest and Shs165,000 (approx. $45).
THE FINAL APPOINTMENTS
Referee for final: Victor Gomes (SA)
In charge of security: Dixon Okello (UGA)
Tickets prices for final:
Shs110,000 (approx. $30) and Shs165,
000 (approx. $45) as the lowest.
