Algeria's Bosnian coach Vahid Halilhodzic said on Tuesday he is hoping to avoid playing against Egypt in the World Cup qualifier playoffs, but he is confident about the ability of his team to overcome the Pharaohs should it happen.

Both sides advanced to the playoff with one match to spare, after ensuring they will finish on top of their respective groups.

Algeria are on top of Group H with 12 points, four ahead of second-placed Benin, while Egypt are five clear of nearest challengers Guinea in Group G.

The final draw of the World Cup qualifiers' playoff, set to be announced in September, could renew the storied rivalry between the two north African countries.

The Pharaohs qualified for the World Cup 1990 at the expense of Algeria, while the latter qualified for the World Cup 2010 at the expense of Egypt following their 1-0 win in a decisive leg in Sudan.     

"It is normal that I wish to face an easy team," Algeria's coach said in a news conference on Tuesday.

"The Egyptian team improved during the last period and they earned some consecutive victories. It will be better to avoid them in the playoffs."

"But if it happens we are ready to beat them, as we don't fear any opponent."