After the violence that took place during the Egypt-Algeria World Cup qualifying match in Sudan in November, tensions are running high once again in the run-up to another encounter–this time in Angola–between the bitter rivals. Al-Masry Al-Youm took to the streets to ask the public: Will there be more unpleasantness this time around?
Ahmed Abdel Moaaz, 26, salesman: “I doubt there will be clashes between fans since the media hasn’t provoked the public like it did last time. I heard on the news that the Egyptian and Algerian foreign affairs ministers had called one another to calm down the atmosphere in the run-up to the match.”
Mostafa Abdel Rahman, 20, student: “If what happened in Sudan is repeated, I think the relationship between the two countries will deteriorate even more than last time. The Egyptian people are still upset about what happened to their fans in Sudan.”
Abdo Abdel Karim, 39, cab driver: “I can’t wait to watch the match tomorrow. Whatever the result, we’re ready to take our revenge on the Algerians if they cross the line again–especially since the government didn’t offer any effective responses regarding the humiliation we suffered."
Youssef Taha, 57, bookshop owner: “Egyptians are kind. They aren’t aggressive like the Algerians. After our national team won, the people of Cameroon behaved in a civilized manner–I doubt that any riots will take place.”
Gamil Aziz, 46, Agricultural Ministry employee: “I heard that many Algerians had already arrived in Angola and were now camped out in tents, which suggests that riots might erupt again. That’s why I think fans shouldn’t be allowed to attend the match, in order to avoid any disputes.”
