The Desert Foxes could not overcome minnows Tanzania at home on Friday to get off their 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifiers to a disappointing start.

"Mr. Saadane resigned from his post as the national team's coach on Saturday," the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) said in a statement on its website.

"The federation thanks and pays tribute to Saadane for his excellent work during his stay here."

Saadane helped Algeria qualify for this year's World Cup for the first time since 1986 after a playoff victory over bitter rivals Egypt.

They also reached the African Cup of Nations last January after missing out on the 2006 and 2008 editions.

Algeria qualified for the Nations Cup semi final but suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat by eventual champions Egypt.

They could not get beyond the first round at the World Cup finals in South Africa, finishing bottom of Group C with one point from three games.