Sudan hosts battle for last Africa World Cup place

KHARTOUM, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Frenzied, chanting crowds greeted Algeria and Egypt’s soccer teams as they arrived in Sudan on Sunday to battle for Africa’s last qualifying place in the 2010 World Cup finals.

After a last minute equaliser from Egypt on Saturday night, the teams will play a decider on Wednesday in Khartoum for the chance to play in South Africa next year.

“One, two, where are the champions of Africa?” shouted a crowd of Egyptians waiting at the airport hours ahead of their team’s arrival.

Thousands of Egyptian labourers working in Sudan will help fill the stadium while Algerian flags began to appear on Sudanese cars throughout the capital.

“The greens all the way!” said Sudanese Khidr Osman, who was carrying an Algerian flag. He was joined by dozens of young Sudanese.

Egypt has a long and mixed history with Sudan of colonial rule as well as friendship but soccer remains a shared passion.

“When Sudan was playing Chad in Egypt, they weren’t supporting us,” said Osman, echoing the sentiments of many young Sudanese.

Sudan was one of the founder members of the Confederation of African Football but after years of civil war the game has declined.

Still, the Sudanese, whose own national team played dismally in the qualifying rounds, are delighted to get a piece of the World Cup action.

“I’m with the Egyptians becuause they chose us to host this,” said businessman Mohamed Amin. “I hope the Sudanese team watch the match…and learn,” his colleague Shenah Hasoona said.

(Reporting by Opheera McDoom; Editing by John Mehaffey; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)