Egypt set for soccer (again)

Bob Bradley’s quest to lead Egypt to World Cup qualifying will get a boost as the country prepares to re-start the domestic league seven months after the deadly riots in Port Said.

The Egyptian Football Association is targeting August 24 for kick-off, contingent upon government approval of security measures.

According to an Associated Press story, “The Interior Ministry wants video cameras and metal detectors installed at stadiums to help prevent a repeat of the riot that killed 74 fans at a game in the Mediterranean city in February.”

The Pharaohs were recently bounced out of qualification for the 2013 African Cup of Nations, but the World Cup is the real goal. The return of the domestic league will help, both because Bradley’s players will be able to focus on their games and it will help put the tragedy in the rearview.