Fergani has coached several clubs in Algeria and Tunisia

Algeria Football Federation (Faf) president Mohamed Raouraoua said Fergani's main task is to secure qualification for the 2006 African Cup of Nations finals in Egypt.

"We are out of the World Cup for sure but we hope to reach the Nations Cup finals," Raouraoua said.

Fergani's appointment, which is his second spell in charge, follows the sacking of Belgian Robert Waseige after a humiliating 0-3 home defeat to Gabon in their last World Cup qualifier.

It was Algeria's worst home defeat in 39 years and put the team at the bottom of Group Four.

Fergani, who captained Algeria at the 1982 World Cup finals, was part of a team adjudged to be the best in the country's football history.

They defeated the former West Germany 2-1 in their opening game of the 1982 finals and came close to reaching the second round.

Now 52, Fergani spent the majority of his club career with JS Kabylie and managed the national team between 1995 and 1996.

He has also had coaching stints at USM Alger, Mouloudia Oran and Tunisian clubsides Esperance, Stade Tunisien and Monastir.

Fergani said he will be ready to take over the side before their next World Cup qualifier against Rwanda in October.

"It is a huge responsibility but I am ready for it," he told journalists.

"Reaching the Cup of Nations finals is a very tough mission but it is not impossible."

Fergani's appointment is the fifth managerial change in Raouraoua's three-year tenure as president of the Algerian federation.