Bitter Rivalry Resumes between Egypt and Algeria

The African Cup of Nations is to be the scene of another potentially violent clash on and off the soccer field as Egypt and Algeria edge nearer to a face-off in the laid-back coastal city of Benguela. Pitting two of North Africa’s fiercest foes, the match will reportedly be protected by 800 elite Angolan police charged with maintaining the peace between rowdy fans who have been flooding in from both countries. The biannual games got off to a violent start after gunmen opened fired on the bus carrying the national team from Togo. Relations between Algeria and Egypt were strained after Algeria defeated Egypt in the World Cup qualifier last month in Khartoum. The defeat eliminated Egypt from the world competition, sparking riots and diplomatic tensions between the two countries.