Algerians snap up souvenirs ahead of World Cup qualifier

2009-11-06

The impending Algeria vs. Egypt match has galvanised entrepreneurs in Algeria, who are making a quick sell of souvenirs and regalia of the national team.

By Hayam El Hadi for Magharebia in Algiers – 06/11/09

[Hayam El Hadi] Young Algerians have taken to the streets to sell sport merchandise to national football fans.

Algerians are going all out to show support for the national football game, buying and selling team paraphernalia as the November 14th World Cup qualifying match against Egypt in Cairo approaches.

Young people are taking advantage of the excitement, setting up shops on street corners and main roads to sell trinkets and souvenirs any fan would want. Team flags, players' photos, CDs and jerseys are flying off the shelves.

"It is a highly profitable niche market," said Mohamed, an unemployed young man who set up his stall in Belcourt, a working-class district in the capital. To liven things up, he belts out songs about the Algerian team.

"That's how I'm reeling my customers in. I know no one can resist songs about the national team," he said.

The ploy is obviously working, because passers-by are drawn in by the dozen. They stop to look at everything on offer, adults and children alike fascinated with the sports mementos on display. They look, choose and come away proudly with the item they splurged on.

Hamid, a 20-year-old student, is in search of a large flag. "I want the biggest flag I can find so I can hang it from the balcony at home. I already have jerseys, pins and bunting, but I need this big flag to complete my special national team collection," he said.

Asked how much money he had spent, Hamid replied: "I've lost track of what I've bought. I'm sure I've gone over my budget by a long stretch, but it's worth it. I hope we win."

Not to be outdone by male fans, women are also buying anything related to the national team for themselves and their children.

"I've never felt so caught up in a football match," said Naima, a mother of two young boys. "Usually I'm not interested, but this year it's different. I bought [Fennecs midfielder Karim] Ziani jerseys for my sons, and several flags, because we're planning to have a parade on the day of the match."

Sewing workshops have also seen a renewed interest in light of the upcoming match. Many fans, who previously never picked up a needle, now want to make flags and shirts to show their support for the Greens.

"We normally make school aprons, but Algeria's victories have created such interest in football that we've had to switch and making nothing but flags, bunting and jerseys," said Farida, who owns a small workshop in Bab El Oued.

"Business is very brisk, I must say. I've got no regrets about leaving the aprons to one side for a little while," she added.

The market is flourishing now in the run-up to the qualifier – and will be even more energetic if Algeria makes it to the World Cup.