The Desert Foxes were drawn in Group C along with six-time African champions Egypt, Zambia and Rwanda.

“Facing Egypt is better than facing Cameroon or Ivory Coast,” Bezzaz, who plays for French first division side Valenciennes, told Algerian paper Al-Haddaf.

“If we were drawn against Cameroon or Ivory Coast, we would have faced a strong opponent as well as having to cope with difficult weather conditions.

“Our chances to reach the World Cup are equal to those of Egypt. We just have to secure positive results when we face Rwanda and Zambia away from home.”

Bezzaz was on target in Algeria’s 1-1 home draw with Egypt in the 2002 World Cup qualifiers, a result that sent Senegal through to the finals in South Korea and Japan.