Algerians celebrate victory over Egypt

By Aomar Ouali, Associated Press Writer

ALGIERS, Algeria — Algeria partied hard after its 1-0 victory Wednesday over Egypt in a playoff match that takes it to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa for the first time in more than 20 years.

Women and children joined men in the streets to celebrate a famous victory over its bitter rival.

Security was stepped up preceding the match near the Egyptian Embassy in the capital, Algiers, but there were no signs of violence. The streets of Algiers quickly filled with celebrating fans, some setting off fireworks. Traffic came to a standstill in the center of town.

Women in hijabs, or veils, were seen brandishing the Algerian flag, a rare site in this North African nation.

The jubilant atmosphere crossed the Mediterranean as Algerians in Marseille and Paris, where there are large Algerian populations. Youths hanging from cars, honking horns and brandishing the Algerian flag made victory laps down Paris' Champs-Elysees.

Violence erupted following Algeria's 2-0 loss to Egypt over the weekend that forced the playoff match in Khartoum, Sudan. The embassy and high profile Egyptian businesses were attacked.

Several Algerian players had been injured before the match in Cairo as Egypt fans pelted Algeria's team bus with rocks.