The Algerian government says it intends to airlift hundreds of fans to Angola for the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Egypt.
Thousands of Algerian fans were flown into Sudan last November as they beat Egypt 1-0 in a World Cup play-off game.
“There is already a programme at government level – and not just ideas – to allow hundreds of supporters to travel to Angola,” foreign affairs Mourad Medcli said.
There will be tension surrounding Thursday’s semi-final in Benguela following the problems during the two World Cup games between the sides in November.
The Algerian team bus was attacked by Egyptian fans in Cairo ahead of a World Cup qualifier that the Pharaohs won 2-0 to force the play-off in Sudan.
Violence also erupted in Khartoum after Algeria’s victory in the play-off that saw them qualify for the World Cup in South Africa.
Meanwhile Algeria’s Hameur Bouazza, who scored the extra-time winner that defeated title favourites Ivory Coast, is looking forward to another meeting with the African champions.
“It is great playing Egypt again as it offers us a chance to prove we beat them fairly and not through luck,” he said.
“We won through hard work and because we have a lot of talented players,” he said, referring to the 1-0 play-off victory courtesy of a late first-half goal from defender Antar Yahia.
“This team has got real character and team spirit is probably our greatest strength.
“Matches are won by happy players and that is the case with us,” he said.
“I am convinced we can do something special in Angola.”
Meanwhile, Egypt and Borussia Dortmund striker Mohamed Zidan wants to show that the Pharaohs should be at the World Cup rather than Algeria.
“For us it is a chance to show the world that we deserve to go to the World Cup and if we beat them, we will be able to watch the World Cup with pride,” he said.
“We are the ones who do not have any pressure. We are the champions and we are better than them.
“Everybody will see which is the better team.”
