Algeria vs. Egypt in Angola: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

These guys will meet again in Angola.

This Thursday the semi-final of the African Cup of Nations will take place between Algeria and Egypt. These two countries have, let’s say, a history of not getting along during their football matches lately.

Round 1 took place during group play of World Cup qualifying, and some Egyptian supporters decided to make things interesting before that match by showering the Algerian team bus with rocks, injuring several players and coaches. The result of that match forced a play-off for the final WC spot, and during said playoff we were introduced to the wonders of heavy weaponry in the stands.

A victory for Algeria in that match meant more violence afterward, with embassies attacked, supporters clashing (in Africa and in France), and each side protesting the actions of the other. The results of Rounds 1 and 2 sent Egypt spiraling into such a national identity crisis that Qaddafi even offered to step in and sort things out!

Although it isn’t quite the WC, the ACN is prestigious enough that Egypt will feel some measure of pride if they are able to defeat Algeria during their semi-final in…Angola? Oh, crap.

At the very beginning of the African Cup of Nations the Togolese team was attacked by rebel gunfire during their trip to Angola, killing several and leading to the withdrawal of Togo from the tournament. So it would seem like a good idea to take 2 groups of supporters that have already had violent clashes and put them into a violent environment, right? Well, at least someone in this situation seems to be exhibiting a little common sense, as the Algerian FA is planning on airlifting its fans directly into Benguela, where the match is being held.

Algerian are in the semi-final thanks to the heroics of Hamer Bouazza, who headed home the match-winner in stoppage time to beat Cote d’Ivoire 3-2 this past weekend. Egypt, who have won the ACN in 2006 and 2008, find themselves here after beating Cameroon 3-1 on Monday in somewhat controversial fashion. Already leading 2-1, Egypt “scored” the final goal of the match with the following strike:

With officiating like that, Egypt just might get their footballing revenge against Algeria after all.