Algeria hand Brahim Hemdani first-team reins with long-term decision still open

Brahim Hemdani has been appointed to lead Algeria during the next international window, although the Football Federation of Algeria (FAF) has described him as a “charge de mission”, indicating that his position may initially be temporary.

The 48-year-old was selected at a meeting of the FAF’s Federal Bureau on Saturday and will take charge of the Fennecs during the international period from 21 September to 6 October.

Hemdani’s appointment had been widely anticipated after his success with Algeria’s Under-21 side. He guided the team to the gold medal at the 2026 Mediterranean Games, a result which has now earned him the opportunity to work with the senior national team.

However, the wording expected in the federation’s official statement adds uncertainty over whether he will remain in the role beyond the forthcoming fixtures. According to journalist Samir Kaabouche, Hemdani will be referred to as a “charge de mission” in the communique, which is due to be released in the coming hours.

That description suggests the former Colombia-born coach has been given the job on an interim basis. The FAF is expected to assess his work during the international break before deciding whether to continue with him, should his performances and results be judged satisfactory.

Hemdani will be supported by Anthar Yahia and Moussa Saib. Yahia has been appointed assistant coach, while Saib will take up the position of general manager.

Unlike Hemdani, both Yahia and Saib have been appointed on a permanent basis. Their status removes any immediate doubt about the expected duration of their responsibilities and indicates that they are likely to remain in their roles regardless of Algeria’s results over the next few weeks.

The senior side’s first assignments under Hemdani will come in the opening two rounds of qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Algeria are scheduled to face Zambia before playing Burundi.

The squad will then complete its international gathering with a friendly match. The opponent has not yet been confirmed, with Niger, Mali and Chad among the possible options.

The appointment marks the latest step in Hemdani’s progression within Algerian football. His work with the Under-21 team, capped by the Mediterranean Games gold medal, had made him the leading candidate to oversee the senior side during the upcoming window.

For now, though, the federation’s choice appears to be an opportunity for evaluation rather than a definitive long-term endorsement. Hemdani will have the September fixtures to make his case, while Yahia and Saib begin permanent roles around the national team.