BOUGHERRA & CO READY FOR 'WAR' IN KHARTOUM.

AFRICAN PLAY-OFF Algeria v Egypt ALGERIA'S players are fully fit and "ready for the war" with Egypt in neutral Sudan tonight when the two teams chase the final African place in the 2010 World Cup, Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra said.

After their last match was marred by violence on Saturday in Cairo and with thousands of fans flying in from Algeria and Egypt to see Wednesday's match, a massive security operation has been mounted in Khartoum with 15,000 police on the streets.

"The full team is ready... for the war," Algerian Bougherra said. "Every player is okay."

He said VfL Bochum defender Antar Yahia would play after doubts he might miss the match because of a thigh injury.

Egypt coach Hassan Shehata, whose side kept alive their hopes of reaching the finals in South Africa thanks to Emad Moteab's header five minutes into stoppage time on Saturday, said he planned to switch tactics tonight.

"(In Cairo) we had to win by two goals so we focussed on attacking," Shehata stressed.

"For the next match we need a totally different tactic because we will be on an equal footing."

Bougherra added that the 9,000 fans due to arrive from Algeria had given his side the confidence boost they needed.

"We are confident, we feel comfortable - all recovered," he added.

The capacity at the Al Merreikh Stadium for tonight's game has been reduced to 35,000 from its usual 41,000 by FIFA, Sudan Football Association officials said.

Algeria's sport minister Hachemi Djiar urged fans to focus on the game.

"This is sport, football and not war."

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TOUGH TEST Rangers star Madjid Bougherra