Admission times and entry gates to the Cairo International stadium ahead of the opening gala have been altered to secure the area ahead of president Mubarak’s arrival.

“Entry to the main tribune and the first-class section has been changed,” LOC spokesman Viken Djizmedjian told Filgoal.com on Thursday.

“The president, his aid, the ministers and CAF officials will enter through the main gates,” Djizmedjian explained.

The gala will commence upon the president’s arrival at 5pm and will run for 45 minutes before clearing the field for the opening game between hosts Egypt and their Libyan neighbors.

“Fan entry to the stadium will be restricted to the period between 12 noon and 4pm,” said the media committee head.

The African Cup of Nations kicks-off on Friday and runs until February 10th.