The heated exchanges and accusations which preceded and followed November's meetings between Algeria and Egypt softened ahead of their Nations Cup clash on Thursday, with both sides taking a calm approach. The rivalry between the North African duo reached its climax when they clashed in two decisive games for a place at this year's World Cup finals in South Africa. The bus of Algeria's team was stoned in Cairo before Egypt's 2-0 victory which forced a playoff in Sudan, where further clashes followed. Egyptian fans in Sudan said they were attacked by Algerian hooligans after the Desert Foxes secured a 1-0 victory as the matter heavily escalated, prompting governments of both countries to exchange accusations over who shoulders the blame for the unfortunate incidents. Two months later, Egypt and Algeria were paired again in the African Cup of Nations semi final. "Foreign minister Ahmed Aboul-Gheit phoned his Algerian counterpart Mourad Medelci and both agreed that the match should be dealt with in a very wise manner," Egyptian government spokesman Hossam Zaki said. "Both ministers said they would remain in contact with each other to ensure nothing unfortunate happens." Egypt recalled its ambassador from Algeria in the wake of November's incidents and president Hosni Mubarak said the country 'would not tolerate those who hurt the dignity of its sons'. Both countries also took some measures to boycott each other on the social, cultural and sporting levels. Few days before their Nations Cup clash, Algerian and Egyptian governments moved to calm things down by stressing on the 'warm relationship' between them. "Our relationship with Algeria can not be affected by a football game," Aboul-Gheit said. Medleci added: "we want everything to be settled, we greatly respect Egypt and its people."
Egypt are a good team, says Belhadj Media Reconciliation Egyptian and Algerian media were heavily blamed for stirring up hatred through using abusive language towards each other. Insults are traditionally and legally prohibited on TV shows and newspapers but everything was permitted during the frenzy that followed November's World Cup qualifiers. However, recent media reconciliation, though unplanned, seems to have alleviated tensions between Egypt and Algeria. "Congratulations for Algeria, they really deserved to beat Ivory Coast and reach the semi final," Medhat Shalabi, one of the Egyptian presenters who were viciously attacked by Algerian media, said in his TV program. "We are happy that a fellow Arab team have progressed to the semis." Algerian papers, including Echorouk which falsely said eight Algerians were killed in Cairo, also adopted a somewhat calm stance. On the footballing level, the majority of Egypt and Algeria players either spoke highly of the opposition or remained silent. Combative defender Wael Gomaa said Egypt would not be looking for revenge while Algeria wing-back Nadir Belhadj branded the Pharaohs 'a very good team'. Egypt coach Hassan Shehata insisted tensions should not run high in Thursday's anticipated encounter in Benguela. "It's a game between two brothers, two Arab countries who have strong ties with each other," the 60-year-old boss commented. "I hope that sportsmanship will prevail in the game." Angolan authorities are expected to adopt strict security measures nevertheless, but the recent actions from Egypt and Algeria suggest that Thursday is likely to pass peacefully.
