The Algerian Football Federation is leaning toward appointing Brahim Hemdani as the new head coach of the senior national team, succeeding Vladimir Petković. He will be assisted by former internationals Antar Yahia and Karim Matmour, pending official approval during Saturday’s Federal Bureau meeting.
The shift toward a local coach comes after the federation spent weeks evaluating foreign options, ultimately failing to find a candidate who combined international experience with the ability to take charge immediately ahead of upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Zambia and Burundi.
The shortlist included Félix Sánchez, Rafael Benítez, Tom Saintfiet, Juan Antonio Pizzi, Ricardo Formosinho, Paulo Sérgio, Frank de Boer, and Sylvinho. Inquiries were also made regarding Igor Tudor and Xavi, while Hervé Renard remained a recurring rumor. Sánchez was the only candidate to enter advanced negotiations before talks stalled.
Hemdani emerged as the frontrunner after guiding Algeria’s U-21 team to a gold medal at the 2026 Mediterranean Games—a feat the nation had not accomplished since 1975. Additionally, his UEFA Pro Licence strengthens his standing from a regulatory perspective.
The former Algerian international began his playing career at Cannes before representing Strasbourg, Olympique de Marseille, and Rangers. He later transitioned into coaching with French lower-tier sides Côte Bleue, Marignane, and Courbevoie before taking charge of Algeria’s youth national teams.
If confirmed, Hemdani will become the first Algerian manager to lead the Fennecs since Djamel Belmadi’s departure in January 2024, marking an end to the brief return to foreign leadership under Petković.
This decision reflects a broader trend across North Africa re-establishing trust in local coaching talent: Hossam Hassan guided Egypt to the AFCON 2025 semi-finals and a historic round-of-16 finish at the 2026 World Cup; Walid Regragui led Morocco to a historic World Cup semi-final run in 2022; and Tunisia recently handed the reins to Moaâtouz Trabelsi under a contract running through 2030.
