Algerian players take part in a training session.
Doha: The Group D showdown between Algeria and Egypt tonight has gained huge hype despite the fact that both the North African rivals have sealed their spots in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Arab Cup beforehand.
Why not? The two teams are the pre-tournament favourites with their clash at the Al Janoub Stadium dubbed an “early final”.
Nothing could have separated the two title-contenders yet, with Madjid Bougherra-coached Algeria and Egypt - coach by Carlos Queroz – winning their first two games comprehensively.
Bougherra’s Desert Warriors blanked Lebanon 2-0 before outclassing Sudan 4-0 while The Pharaohs after a narrow 1-0 victory over Lebanon, crushed Sudan 5-0 to go on level with Algeria.
Not just points, the goal difference or the goals scored, both the teams are also even in the fair play points.
In their overall record, Algeria – who are ranked 32nd in the FIFA rankings – have a slight edge over the Egyptians as they have seven victories in a total of 20 official games between the two teams. Egypt, who are currently ranked World No.45, have won six times while seven matches between them were drawn.
In case of a draw tonight, FIFA’s tie-breaker rules will come into effect to decide the group winners, but both the sides are seeking a result to avoid the scenario.
“We will go all out for a victory but the team which will be the best will win,” Bougherra told a pre-match press conference yesterday.
“Both the teams will start the match with a goal of winning to become group leaders,” he added.
The 39-year-old said despite the hectic schedule his players are pumped up for the highly-anticipated match.
“We are facing a difficult match to win the group. We got little time to prepare for the match but the players are highly motivated and are ready for the match. Egypt have a great fighting spirit and we have to be on their level in this match,” the Algerian coach said.
Defender Abdelkader Badran, who plays for Espérance Sportive de Tunis, agreed with the coach as he predicted an exciting clash.
“Small details will make the difference in this match which will be tough for both the teams. Most of the Egyptian team players are from Zamalek SC and Al Ahly whom I faced many times. They have a good team,” said Badran.
“We will go with a winning mentality as our aim is to finish group stage on top.”
Egypt’s goal scorer in the opening match Mohamed Magdy Afsha will not be available for the match but coach Queiroz was confident of a good show from his team without him.
“We are motivated to do well against Algeria as it’s a good dress rehearsal for the quarter-finals,” the Portuguese told reporters.
“Both teams have qualified for the quarters but of course we have to play in the last group game and take our reputation into account. We want to show our skills. Tomorrow, we will have a great opportunity to either win or learn,” he added.
Queiroz also hailed his players, who he said were playing as a unit.
“We have a wonderful group of players who have a great camaraderie. It’s like they have spent years together, and this is thanks to the veteran players in the team. In any case, the team is above everything,” the 68-year-old said.
Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shennawy, who rated the match as an “early final” hoped for maximum points.
“We focus on the coach’s tactics in this match and hopefully we will be successful,” he said.
“There is no big difference between the first match against Lebanon, the second against Sudan, and the third against Algeria. The players take the match as it is in the same spirit and work with the technical staff. The spirit on the field is the same, irrespective of the game or opponent we play,” he added.
“Algeria is a strong team and we are ready for the match. Whatever the outcome, we respect each other. We are like brothers.”
