Sports
The 1973 league match that kicked off as the October War began
October 6, 2026 at 02:10 PM
On October 6, 1973, a league match between El-Tayaran and Ghazl El-Mahalla coincided with the start of the October War.
- The referee started the match at 2:30 pm on October 6, 1973, as Egyptian forces began crossing the Suez Canal.
- Ghazl El-Mahalla fans cheered for El-Tayaran in support of the air force, startling players who knew nothing of the war.
- Late player Omar Abdallah recalled that team members, mostly army and police conscripts, reported to their units after the match.
- After the military's announcement, the referee ended the match; El-Tayaran led 1-0 before Omar Abdallah equalized.