In previous statements, the Algerian tactician had said the Pharaohs are big favorites for qualifying for the world cup, therefore the desert warriors would rather focus more on the 2010 African cup of nations.

"As a matter of fact, Egypt are afraid of facing us. Both teams’ encounters are pretty similar to derbies," Saadan told Al-Hadaf newspaper.

"Like all derbies, it’s hard to fuel speculations based on previous fixtures or overall assessments."

Algeria have been drawn in Group C of the World and African Cups qualifiers final stage Alongside Egypt, Rwanda and Zambia.

"On the African stage, the Egyptians are stronger than us. They can hold training camps more frequently than other teams, as most of their players are from local outfits."

The six-time African champions have more than a handful of foreign-based players, such as Wigan Athletic’s Amr Zaki, Middlesbrough duo Ahmed Hossam 'Mido' and Mohamed Shawky, Borussia Dortmund’s Mohamed Zidan and Sion goalie Essam Al-Hadari.