Algeria, who enjoy a three-point and a three-goal lead over Egypt with two matches remaining, clearly have the better chance of reaching next year's South Africa finals.
But technically speaking, Egypt are capable of defeating Zambia away and Algeria at home.
They can also bridge the gap with Algeria in terms of goal difference because the African champions boast many players who are superior to their Algerian and Zambian counterparts.
However, there is a persistent problem which always haunts Egypt in such situations. The players hardly hold their nerve while playing under media and fans' pressure.
The Pharaohs won two successive African Cup of Nations titles in 2006 and 2008 when nobody expected them to deliver but drew against Zambia at home in their first qualifier when they were firm favorites to win.
They become nervous on the pitch when people anticipate their heroics and two or three wasted attempts in addition to the roar of fans are enough to disrupt the rhythm of their attack.
Avoiding such things in the crucial encounters against Zambia and Algeria will be enough for them to outplay their opponents and realize the dream of reaching the World Cup, a tournament Egypt haven't qualified for since 1990.
Coach Hassan Shehata is the only one who can lift the pressure off his players. He has to appear calm and confident to convince his players to have the same approach.
The highly-successful boss, who is a perfect target for cameramen, should stop praying and jumping on the touchline whenever Egypt forwards enter the 18-yard box.
Egypt players need to have the calm approach and the self belief.