Algerian fans traveling to Angola for their team's African Cup of Nations semifinal match against Egypt have been met by a heavy police presence at the airport.
Contingents of baton-wielding police formed a cordon around the flag-waving fans Thursday.
Algerian team spokesman Said Selhani says his government has provided subsidized tickets for about 1,000 Algerian fans.
A plane carrying Egyptian supporters was expected later Thursday.
In November, three Algerian players were injured after their team bus came under attack from stone-throwing Egyptian supporters ahead of a World Cup qualifying match.
Algeria eventually beat Egypt in playoff match to qualify for the World Cup.
