Egypt and Algeria: The World Cup qualifying playoff in Khartoum

Following the previous remarkable result in Cairo when Egypt was first warned by FIFA for its fans apparently attacking the Algerian team bus then the amazing 2-0 victory in injury time for Egypt, the playoff is due to take place in Sudan on Wednesday.

Egypt, Algeria football matches have always been a hostile and fraught affair. I'm not entirely clear why this bitter rivalry exists as politically the two nations have traditionally been close particularly in view of Egypt's support for Algeria against French colonisation and Algerian support for Egypt against the Israelites. Nevertheless the rivalry is intense and has increased.

Sudan announced a security plan almost putting Khartoum on a war footing. Following the riots the last time Egypt beat Algeria in a world cup qualifier back in 1990 lets hope on this occasion the match is remembered for its football.