Nadir Belhadj in line for Algeria coaching role under Brahim Hemdani

Former Algeria defender Nadir Belhadj is being considered for a place on Brahim Hemdani’s coaching staff before the national team’s November international break.

Changes are expected within Hemdani’s backroom team ahead of the next Algeria camp, with Belhadj potentially appointed as the manager’s second assistant, according to journalist Khaled Mazouzi.

The former left-back made 54 appearances for Algeria and scored four goals during his international career. He would work alongside Anthar Yahia, the ex-national team captain who currently serves as Hemdani’s first assistant. Yahia won 53 caps for Algeria and scored six goals.

Belhadj ended his playing career at the conclusion of the 2022-2023 season before moving into coaching in July 2023. He has since worked as a youth coach at Al-Sadd in Qatar.

Further changes could also be made elsewhere in the Algeria set-up. Goalkeeping coach Nacereddine Berarma is reportedly at risk of losing his position, while a performance analyst and video analysts could also be added to the staff.

Algeria prepare for Togo double-header

Algeria will face Togo twice in November in the third and fourth rounds of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Eperviers will travel to Tizi-Ouzou on 14 November to play the first match before Algeria make the journey to Lome three days later.

The team’s first camp under Hemdani produced mixed results. Algeria began with a 3-1 home victory over Zambia, but were then held to a 2-2 draw away to Burundi on 25 and 29 September.

They responded with a 2-1 friendly win against Niger on 6 October.

Algeria currently lead Group I, with a one-point advantage over Zambia, their nearest challengers.