The build-up to Sunday's World Cup qualifier between Egypt and Algeria saw both teams guard themselves against potential provocation from the other side. A heated rivalry will be renewed in Blida when the North African duo lock horns in an anticipated clash at Moustapha Tchaker Stadium. There is no love lost between Egypt and Algeria. "I hope my players will not respond to any provocation from the home side," Egypt coach Hassan Shehata said. Algeria are not the team who provoke opponents, their coach Rabah Saadane believes. "Egypt will try and force us to lose our temper, but the fans' commitment will help my players to hold their grip," he stated. Algeria-Egypt matches are always played in tense atmospheres. Their last World Cup qualifiers' meeting in 2001 in Algerian city Annaba was marred by crowd troubles. The game was halted for three times after fans threw stones onto the pitch to injure then Egypt assistant coach Alaa Nabil. Reports said there will be strict security measures during Sunday's game, including banning fireworks. "Mental strength will definitely be what makes the difference," Algeria captain Yazid Mansouri told FIFA.com.
Mental strength will definitely be what makes the difference - Algeria captain "We'll need to try and forget the wider context and keep in mind that's it's just a game of football." Striking Dilemma Algeria and African champions Egypt have one point each after being held to draws by Rwanda and Zambia respectively in the first round of matches in Group C. Both sides will be keen to bag all three points following Zambia's 1-0 victory over Rwanda on Saturday that took them to the group's summit on four points. The group winner will qualify directly for next year's South Africa finals. The runners-up and the third-placed team will settle for a place in the African Cup of Nations. Egypt coach Hassan Shehata faces striking dilemma due to the injury of Ahli striker Emad Meteb and the surprising omission of Mido. He is expected to field Amr Zaki as a lone striker, with the support of Borussia Dortmund forward Mohamed Zidan who recovered from a shin injury. However, their back-ups, Ahmed Abdul-Ghani and Ahmed Raouf, might not be very helpful due to their lack of international experience. Egypt's probable line-up: Essam Al-Hadari, Hani Saied, Wael Gomaa, Mahmoud Fathallah, Ahmed Al-Muhammadi, Sayed Moawad, Ahmed Fathi, Hosni Abd-Rabou, Mohamed Abou-Treika, Mohamed Zidan, Amr Zaki
