Brahim Hemdani named Algeria head coach
Former Marseille midfielder Brahim Hemdani has been appointed as the new head coach of the Algerian national team, succeeding Vladimir Petkovic.
Brahim Hemdani succède à Vladimir Petkovic sur le banc de l'Algérie. (E. Garnier/L'Équipe)
Former Cannes, Strasbourg, Marseille, and Glasgow Rangers midfielder Brahim Hemdani has been appointed as the head coach of the Algerian national team. The official announcement was made by the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) via state television.
The 48-year-old takes over the senior squad following a brief but successful stint with the U21 team, which he began leading in July. Under his guidance, the Algerian youth team secured a gold medal at the Mediterranean Games in Italy, marking their first victory in the competition in 51 years without a single defeat.
Hemdani succeeds Vladimir Petkovic, whose departure was confirmed following the team's exit in the Round of 16 at the World Cup against Switzerland (0-2). Former Algeria internationals Antar Yahia and Moussa Saïb will join the staff as his assistants.
While his playing career was highly decorated, Hemdani’s coaching resume is still developing. His previous managerial experience was limited to the lower divisions of French football with Courbevoie and Marignane.
The new staff will have very little time to prepare. Algeria is scheduled to host Zambia on September 25 before traveling to Burundi on September 29 for the first two matchdays of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.