Former Comoros coach Stefano Cusin enters Algeria race as FAF considers next move

Stefano Cusin has put himself forward for the Algeria job as the Federation Algerienne de Football (FAF) continues its search for a successor to Vladimir Petkovic, with the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers less than a month away.

The 56-year-old Italian, who guided Comoros at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, contacted the Algerian federation about taking charge of the Fennecs, according to L’Equipe.

Algeria have been without a permanent head coach since Petkovic left on 3 August. Despite a series of approaches, enquiries and negotiations, FAF president Walid Sadi and the federation have yet to settle on their preferred candidate.

Cusin has built a career across several countries and continents. His coaching experience includes work with the youth teams of Cameroon and Congo-Brazzaville, Al-Ittihad Tripoli, a number of clubs in the Gulf, South Sudan and Comoros.

He took Comoros to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, restoring the Coelacanths to the competition. Their campaign ended in the group stage, however, after two draws and one defeat.

Although Cusin has substantial experience of African football, his managerial record is considered some distance from the level Algeria are seeking. He has not previously led a national team of the Fennecs’ stature or managed at the highest level of club football, which may explain why his name has not become one of the leading options.

The Algerian federation has explored a wide range of possibilities since Petkovic’s departure. Herve Renard, a popular choice among some Algeria supporters, is not believed to have been a concrete option on this occasion.

A national technical committee led by Rabah Saadane then identified several possible candidates. The list included Rafael Benitez, Tom Saintfiet and Felix Sanchez Bas.

Sanchez Bas appeared to move ahead of the other contenders after talks were held with the former Qatar and Ecuador manager. However, he subsequently turned his attention to another opportunity, understood to be in Asia.

Other coaches linked with the vacancy, or contacted as part of the process, have included Gustavo Poyet, Igor Tudor, Xavi and several Italian managers. None has so far led to a definitive appointment.

With the search for the ideal candidate proving difficult, FAF could now turn to an internal solution.

Anthar Yahia is already preparing an extended squad list for Algeria’s September fixtures and has contacted several players and their representatives ahead of the next international window.

He could work alongside Brahim Hemdani, who was recently appointed head coach of Algeria’s under-20 side. Hemdani also led the Algeria under-21 team to victory at the Mediterranean Games.

An internal coaching partnership would give the federation a team with detailed knowledge of the Fennecs and their wider environment. However, both men have limited experience at the very highest level of management.

The decision is expected soon, with Algeria’s opening matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign approaching. The Fennecs will host Zambia before travelling to Burundi.