The BBC are reporting that the Algerian FA are planning on airlifting fans directly into Benguela, ahead of Thursday's somewhat sensitive African Cup of Nation's semi final with Egypt. To say there is previous between the two would be an understatement.

There is a far better breakdown of all that went before on TwoHundredPercent; but I think it is fair to say that the BBC may be thankful they chose to televise this game, even if their previous coverage of the event was a disgrace a little lacking.

Of course, this is the third meeting in a matter of weeks for these two nations, the first being the last group game of their World Cup qualifying. This is when the tensions between supporters first came to a wider audience. The Algerian team bus was peppered with rocks, injuring several players and coaches. The result of that match forced an ever tenser (is that a word?) play-off for the final WC spot, and wide-spread unrest followed, with embassies attacked, supporters clashing (in Africa and in France), and each side protesting the actions of the other. The results of Rounds 1 and 2 sent Egypt spiraling into such a national identity crisis that Qaddafi even offered to step in and sort things out!

OK, so the ACN doesn't carry the prestige of the World Cup, and we can all sit there and laugh at inept goalkeeping.

But it still carries enough local weight that Egypt will feel it matters enough that victory will restore some pride. 

Just as well such a potentially firey tie is being played somewhere nice and secure then, with an exemplary track record for peace and harmony.


What?.