Algerians still honked horns, waved flags and cheered on their
football team after it was crushed 4-0 by Egypt in the African Cup
of Nations semifinals on Thursday.
Many fans blamed Benin referee Codjia Koffi for hobbling
Algeria and helping Egypt to its first goal. Three Algerian players
were expelled in the tense match at Benguela, Angola.
"The referee tilted the game and showed favor to the
Egyptians," said Yacine Hadri, echoing the feelings of many
Algerians.
Police presence was discreet in Algiers, the capital, despite
a feud that spilled into violence earlier in the competition. All
appeared calm late Thursday in Algiers - but several incidents were
reported across the Mediterranean in Marseille.
In November, Egyptian supporters attacked the Algeria team
bus and three players were injured ahead of a World Cup qualifying
match. Algerian stores of cell phone operator Djezzy, owned by
Egypt-based Orascom group, were looted.
Tension was so high that Egypt's and Algeria's foreign
ministers spoke by phone ahead of Thursday's match. After the
defeat, Sports Minister Hachemi Djiar went on TV to ask his
countrymen to remain "dignified" despite the loss - and to keep
supporting the team.
Hundreds of Algerians converged on the square in front of the
central post office, waving flags, honking horns and shouting
"1-2-3 Algeria!" The TV showed similar reaction in other major
cities from Oran in the west to Constantine in the east.
Algerians cheered their team across the Mediterranean Sea in
France where millions of Algerians live - and where security was
tight.
Still, incidents were reported in Marseille after hundreds
gathered in the Old Port neighborhood, some setting garbage cans
afire, lighting smoke bombs and throwing cans and bottles toward
lines of security forces.
Police said 8 people were detained.
In Paris, police guarded the chic Champs-Elysees Avenue where
victories are typically feted. No incidents were immediately
reported. Hundreds of Algerians took to the streets in a northern
Paris district that was home to many Algerians - under the eye of
hundreds of police. Disappointed fans waved flags, set off smoke
bombs and shouted "1-2-3 Algeria."
Algeria plays for third place on Saturday against Nigeria.
