The campaign around Jebel Chaambi, Tunisia's highest mountain at 1, 500 meters (4, 900 feet), has transfixed Algeria, which fears that Tunisian violence may start roiling its own shaky security situation.

NPR: Jihadi Peril Makes Its Way To Tunisia

Despite opening their campaign with a dramatic victory in Tunisia, Selolwane said it took some time for him to believe that the Zebras would break their Nations Cup duck.

BBC: Dipsy Selolwane

They began their campaign with a shock away win in Tunisia in June and have continued on a winning streak which has given them a three-point lead in the standings.

BBC: World Cup fates hang in balance

The parties that campaign for the "green vote" in Tunisia, Libya, or Egypt have different positions on the defining issue of Islamism - whether to govern by religious law or allow different authorities, notably civil courts, to continue.

BBC: What the rise of political Islam is likely to spell

Many people see South Africa as the favourites to host the event but Morocco's campaign is gaining ground, which was helped by their recent good showing at the Cup of Nations in Tunisia where they finished as runners-up.

BBC: SPORT | Football | African | Morocco to host Blatter