Algeria consider Antar Yahia and Ibrahim Hamdani as coaching decision nears

Algeria are seriously considering appointing a coaching partnership of former international Antar Yahia and Ibrahim Hamdani after their search for a successor to Vladimir Petkovic failed to produce a satisfactory candidate.

The Algerian Football Federation has yet to name a new head coach following a disappointing World Cup campaign, but time is running short before the national team begins its Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying programme.

Algeria will host Zambia before travelling to face Burundi in the opening two rounds, scheduled for the final days of September. A decision on the coaching structure is expected at the federation’s federal office meeting next Saturday.

Of the 10 African nations who competed at the most recent World Cup, six have changed managers, according to French newspaper L’Equipe. Five countries have already appointed new coaches ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers, leaving Algeria as the only nation yet to settle on its choice.

The federation initially explored a number of foreign options. The National Technical College, chaired by former Algeria manager Rabah Saadane, identified a three-man shortlist featuring Felix Sanchez Bas, Rafael Benitez and Tom Saintfiet.

Sanchez Bas, who previously managed Qatar and Ecuador, held discussions with the Algerian authorities. However, he also made clear that he was considering an opportunity in Asia, causing the federation’s “Plan A” to lose momentum.

There had been speculation among Algeria supporters on social media that Herve Renard could take charge. The Frenchman came close to becoming Algeria manager after the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, but that route was not activated on this occasion.

The federation also sounded out other coaches, including Igor Tudor and Xavi, but no positive response was received, L’Equipe reported. No domestic candidate emerged as an obvious choice either, leaving officials to conclude that the ideal profile was not currently available in the market.

During the delay, former Algeria defender Yahia was asked to prepare an expanded squad list for the September fixtures. He contacted players and people close to them in an effort to reassure them after the frustration caused by the World Cup exit.

That temporary responsibility could now become a permanent role, with the federation considering giving Yahia a broader position alongside Hamdani.

Hamdani entered the domestic coaching picture only last month, when he was appointed manager of Algeria’s Under-20 side in July. He previously guided the Under-21 team to victory at the Mediterranean Games, an achievement Algeria had not secured since 1975.

The former Olympique de Marseille player has a relatively modest coaching background. His playing and managerial path also included Cote Bleue, Marignane and Courbevoie in the lower levels of French football.

Yahia and Hamdani both have experience of representing Algeria and remain closely connected to the country’s football environment. The federation is therefore considering whether their familiarity with the national set-up could outweigh their lack of experience at the highest level of coaching.

If the partnership is approved, it may be intended as more than a short-term solution. The federation is prepared to take the gamble and potentially extend the arrangement if the early results and working relationship prove encouraging.

Their immediate objective would be to guide Algeria through the start of the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign, with the tournament due to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania from 19 June to 18 July.

Algeria’s final decision is expected next Saturday.