CAIRO: Rwanda s Muslim players will not fast on Saturday when they host Egypt in an anticipated World Cup qualifier, local reports said.
The Newstimes said the likes of Haruna Niyonzima, Abedi Mulenda and Hamad Ndikumana have been exempted from fasting by the country s Mufti.
The match will be held on the 16th day of Muslims holy month of Ramadan.
Egypt players will not fast either after being given the all-clear by Egypt’s Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa.
A group of Islamic scholars in Al-Azhar University said that playing football is not among the reasons for which a Muslim is allowed to eat and drink during Ramadan.
The Pharaohs lie second in Group C with four points, three behind leaders Algeria with three matches to go.
Any stumble for Egypt against Rwanda, Zambia or Algeria in their remaining games will seriously diminish their chances of reaching the World Cup for the first time since 1990.
Only the group winners will book a place in South Africa finals.
