Algeria's soccer players attend a training session at Sidi Moussa stadium in Algiers November 12, 2013 (Photo: Reuters)
Observers say the heavy security reflects the political unease in a country where the ailing elderly president has just been nominated by his party for another term in April's elections.
The state's harsh responses to journalists, bloggers and cartoonists accused of ridiculing the president are another sign of the tense situation in this oil-rich country with the region's strongest military.
Tuesday's Algeria-Burkina Faso match has featured strongly in the newspapers in this soccer-mad nation, and authorities are hoping a win would boost their standing.
Despite its oil wealth, Algeria suffers frequent strikes and protests by citizens demanding better jobs and services.
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