The two teams will meet in Blida part of World Cup qualifications Group C games, and tensions are already on the rise ahead of the awaited North African derby.

"I believe that the game is no more than a simple confrontation between two Arab countries," the Ahli midfielder said.

"Of course it will be a tough game for both teams, but I hope the best will win without any hard feelings."

With one point each, Egypt and Algeria are second and third respectively in Group C.

Both will be desperate to catch up with leaders Zambia, who beat Rwanda 1-0 earlier on Saturday.

In the meantime, Algerian paper Achorouk confirmed that no less than five thousand security forces will be allocated to maintain order during Sunday's meeting.

Egypt's Saturday training session similarly took place amid Algerian security presence.