The competition for a final World Cup ticket for Africa reaches a climax as Egypt and Algeria lock horns in a crunch playoff in Sudan. South Africa 2010 is getting closer for the African champions as this time any win over their neighbors will do. Egypt managed to break out of their critical Group C situation by pulling off a memorable victory at the weekend, and now it's time for a thrilling finale. The contention between Egypt and Algeria has taken a number of twists in recent weeks, thanks to the unnecessary propaganda created by the media. Psychologically, Egypt's morale is on the up after Emad Meteb's dramatic stunner in Cairo; a goal that could prove devastating to the Algerians. After having a load of pressure eased off his shoulders, Egypt boss Hassan Shehata seems ready to confront any other challenge on the way to South Africa. "We are totally familiar with this kind of pressure," said the Zamalek legend.
"We have also played numerous matches only after 72-hour rest, so that won't be a problem." Team News Apart from the psychological factor, Egypt are boosted by the return of two of their pillars; Wael Gomaa and Hosni Abd-Rabou. Gomaa is set to regain his position at the heart of defense after sitting out Saturday's game through suspension, whereas Abd-Rabou could make his return from an ankle injury. On the contrary, the Desert Foxes will be without first-choice goalkeeper Lounes Gaouaoui, who picked up a silly yellow card in the 2-0 defeat. Rabah Saadane will have to hand inexperienced goalie Faouzi Chaouchi his competitive debut in Khartoum. Center-half Rafik Halliche is also a doubt after being forced off the weekend's game to be replaced by Abdelkader Laifaoui.
