The African Cup of Nations will witness an intriguing and much-anticipated clash between two countries which went through a bruising qualifying campaign for South Africa 2010. While Algeria was able to edge out Egypt for the World Cup ticket, the Pharaohs are being referred to as the slight favourites for winning this match to continue in the right path towards retaining their title as African Champions.

During the current tournament the Algerians failed to impress in the group stage yet they have bounced back with style to overcome one of the favourites in the event the Ivory Coast in a thrilling 3-2 victory. The North Africans succeeded in drawing level after falling behind on two occasions to the Ivorians. They will be looking to prove their critics wrong by showing their qualification to South Africa 2010 at the expense of Egypt was not a fluke.

On the other hand, the Egyptian are highly motivated and emotionally charged to beat the Algerians in order to avenge the loss of the World Cup ticket to their rivals. The two countries will be meeting for the fourth time in less than a year in a competitive match which is being likened by Egypt’s Mohamed Zidan to a war! The striker who plays in the German League was visibly fired up as he assessed the match claiming it will be like a matter of “life and death” which is quite alarming considering the chaos, violence and political crisis caused by the last two clashes between the two countries.

While some in the Egyptian camp were playing down the need to avenge the 1-0 loss in Sudan which cost the Pharaohs a place in South Africa, the Egyptians have shown a great desire to put one over their fellow North African Arabs. The fiery message by Zidan is a clear indication of how much this match means to his fellow countrymen and their homeland in general.

The two sides met twice in November with Egypt winning 2-0 to force the play-off match which was duly edged by Algeria. The initial encounter between both countries took place in Algeria in June 2009 with the home side triumphing 3-1. The two countries were tied on points, goal difference and head-to-head meetings.

The hope is for the public to enjoy a spectacle free of any violence given the tragic incidents involving the national team of Togo and the previous clashes between the fans of Egypt and Algeria which prompted FIFA to order an investigation into the events. Keeping in mind the tense moments and adverse repercussions of the Egyptian win which forced the decisive match in Sudan, the foreign ministers of Egypt and Algeria were on the phone on Tuesday to urge calmness, wise actions and setting the previous incidents aside to overcome their differences.

Hopefully the players and fans from both nations will take heed in order for the clash to proceed without any negative incidents. The focus should be on enjoying the heated encounter between two rival countries but without compromising public safety and fair play. Having been on the receiving end when the two countries last met in November, Egypt’s players will be raring to go and itching to put one over the Desert Foxes. Will the Egyptians have the opportunity to compensate for failing to making the World Cup or will the Algerians once again end the Egyptian dream?

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