The showpiece event will be the qualifier for the WAFF World Cup 2026
Cairo is all set to host the African Amputee Football Nations Cup 2024 from 18-26 April 2024, this was announced at a press conference on 12 August.
The hosting contract was signed by Dr Hossam Elden Mustafa, President of the Egyptian Paralympic Committee; Mohamed Adel Hosni, President of the local organising committee and Mustafa Usman Shalanyuy, Vice President of the Confederation of African Amputee Football (CAAF).
The event was also attended by Khaled Attia Eladl, CAAF Treasurer; Georg Schlachtenberger, WAFF Secretary General and governing board members from the Egyptian Paralympic Committee and the Egyptian Amputee Football Federation.
In all, 16 African teams will be vying for top honours and it would also decide which teams will qualify for the WAFF World Cup 2026.
“For the African amputee family, this upcoming tournament will be another important milestone to showcase the excellence of our players to the fans and the society in Africa and the world. It is an outstanding commitment from the Local Organising Committee team, Mr Mohamed Adel Hosni and Mrs Sarah Ahmed Elmaayrgi, both business leaders. They have already shown their commitment to amputee football in recent years by supporting Egyptian amputee football, organising a football academy, supporting the team and now starting a national league,” said Shalanyuy.
Elmaayrgi, speaking on the occasion, said: “It will be a great pleasure and honour to organise this prestigious tournament in Cairo and we will ensure that the players, teams, spectators and media have a great environment to play and work in. We will also organise a media campaign to promote the tournament and spread the message to the public through social media.”
Schlachtenberger expressed his delight and felt the tournament would be a real highlight for amputee football worldwide.
“Our movement is growing, especially in Africa, and we are very pleased that Cairo is hosting this important World Cup qualifier and organising it not only very professionally, but also with commitment and passion. Next April, we will witness top quality football where teams would not only be showcasing skill, speed, agility, coordination but above all emotions.”