Egypt v Algeria: The Day’s Most Fiery Encounter
With football heavyweights France, Portugal and Russia looking to seal their place in South Africa you would be a fool to discount the action in Europe. But tonight in Omdurman, the largest city in Sudan, Egypt and Algeria clash in the day’s most fiery encounter.
After finishing joint-top of African qualifying Group C on points and goal difference, Egypt and Algeria meet in a winner-takes-all clash for the last African place at next summer’s Finals. With both nations seeking a third appearance at the greatest tournament on Earth, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
History shows that Egypt has the upper hand. A fifth minute stoppage time goal by Emad Meteab against Algeria last Wednesday in Cairo, saw the Egyptians scrape a 2-0 win forcing today’s single match elimination. Clearly the Egyptians are on a high following their miracle result and having beaten the Algerians as recently as last week they’ve probably had the better night’s sleep.
Suspensions hit Algeria. Coach Rabah Saadane will field a weakened team in Sudan with key first-choice keeper Lounes Gaouaoui and midfielder Khaled Lemmouchia out after picking up bookings last week. Had Algeria hung on to lose by just one goal in Cairo the suspensions would have been irrelevant (well, at least until next summer).
Rivalry spills over. Arriving at their hotel in Cairo for last week’s crunch match, the Algerian team bus was greeted by over 200 stone-throwing Egyptian fans. Four Algerian players suffered injuries in the incident setting the tone for the night’s fierce encounter. The hostility increased after the match as 32 people were reported injured outside the ground. While FIFA have been quick to play down the violence, the decision to deploy 15,000 police to Omdurman for tonight’s tie makes us think twice about jetting over to watch this one live. But with the capacity of the Al-Merreikh Stadium cut down 6,000 to a more manageable 35,000 attendance, there will be nearly one policeman present for every two supporters!
Egyptians let loose after last week's win; Who's turn this time?
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Very good read. I dont think I can handle the anticipation for the Fifa 2010 worldcup! Its sad that theres been a few players already having injuries in the lead up to the fifa worldcup. It should still be a entertaining tournament, but its a shame its off to a bad start, injury wise..