Wael Gomaa is hoping to make up for Egypt missing out on the World Cup
Algeria and Egypt renew their fierce north African rivalry for the first time since their controversial World Cup play-off clash in November.

Tensions are high ahead of the semi-final in Benguela, with both teams cancelling media activities and banning reporters from their training sessions.

As a result, team news is in short supply, but neither side is missing any players through suspensions.
"We're not thinking of revenge, we only want to win," said Egypt's Wael Gomaa.

Violence erupted in Sudan after the team's last meeting, which saw Algeria qualify for the World Cup in South Africa, after a highly-charged play-off just over two months ago.

Trouble also flared in France, as well as in both Algeria and Egypt after that tie and there is concern over whether trouble is likely to flare again in Benguela.

Confederation of African Football (Caf) officials have, however, said that security measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of fans.

 Algerian and Egyptian teams know each other very well so it is going to be a very competitive match and a single goal could settle the outcome

Algeria captain Yazid Mansouri
On the field, six-time champions Egypt are on course for their third African title in a row and remain the only unbeaten team in the competition, making them the stand-out favourites among the remaining four teams.

And 34-year-old defender Gomaa believes that winning the Nations Cup again would make up for the disappointment of missing out on South Africa.

"We are eager to reach the final and win the cup in order to compensate the fans after our failure to make the World Cup," he said.

Algeria have improved as the tournament has progressed, and captain Yazid Mansouri says they have Malawi to thank for that after being shocked by the Flames in their opening 3-0 group defeat.

"We lacked humility and paid the price," said the 31-year-old midfielder."Our team was challenged from the start of the Nations Cup."Luckily we reacted with pride and self-esteem."

As for the renewing of rivalries with Egypt, Mansouri preferred to concentrate on matters on the pitch.
"The Algerian and Egyptian teams know each other very well so it is going to be a very competitive match and a single goal could settle the outcome," he said.