Algeria set to appoint Brahim Hamdani as new head coach on Saturday

Brahim Hamdani is expected to be named the new head coach of Algeria on Saturday, according to Algerian newspaper Echorouk, succeeding Vladimir Petkovic.

Petkovic left his position after Algeria were eliminated in the round of 32 at the World Cup. Hamdani, who currently manages Algeria’s under-21 side, is now close to taking charge of the senior national team, the newspaper reported.

The Algerian Football Federation has already held talks with Hamdani to begin negotiations over the role. The discussions took place after the coach returned to Algeria from Italy, where he led the country to the gold medal at the Mediterranean Games several days ago.

Echorouk praised Hamdani’s work with Algeria’s younger players, saying: “Hamdani managed to impose an attacking and disciplined style of play that restored confidence in Algerian youth football.”

The newspaper said the official announcement of Hamdani’s appointment is expected on Saturday, following a meeting of the Algerian Football Federation.

The report comes as Algeria prepare for the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which is due to begin this month. Algeria have been drawn in Group 9 alongside Zambia, Togo and Burundi.

Hamdani’s possible appointment would follow a wider trend of national associations turning to domestic coaches. Echorouk pointed to the Egyptian Football Association’s decision to extend Hossam Hassan’s contract as head coach of Egypt until 2030. It also cited South Africa’s appointment of Pitso Mosimane as the successor to Hugo Broos, who left after the World Cup.

The 48-year-old Hamdani enjoyed a playing career in France and Scotland. He represented Cannes, Strasbourg and Marseille in France, as well as Rangers in Scotland, before retiring in 2009.

After ending his playing career, Hamdani moved into coaching. He managed French clubs Marignane Gignac and Courbevoie before taking charge of Algeria’s youth national team.

His work with the under-21 side, particularly the recent Mediterranean Games success, has helped put him in contention for the senior post. The final decision is expected to be confirmed after the federation’s meeting on Saturday, although the report presents Hamdani as the leading candidate to replace Petkovic.

Should the appointment go ahead, his first major task will be to oversee Algeria’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign. The team’s place in a group containing Zambia, Togo and Burundi means the new coach will have little time to settle into the role before competitive fixtures begin in September.