Algeria consider Brahim Hemdani and Antar Yahia interim coaching role

Algeria are considering appointing former internationals Brahim Hemdani and Antar Yahia to lead the national team on an interim basis, with the arrangement potentially lasting until the 2027 AFCON.

The proposal has gained momentum within the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) ahead of the next FIFA international window. With fewer than three weeks remaining before the first training camp of the 2026/27 season, Hemdani and Yahia are expected to take charge of the Greens if the plan is approved.

There has been no official confirmation from the federation, although reports have suggested that FAF president Walid Sadi has already made a decision on the coaching situation.

The possibility of Hemdani taking the role has been discussed for around a week and is becoming an increasingly serious option within the federation.

The former Marseille player is being considered as part of a temporary arrangement alongside Yahia, who is regarded as the main decision-maker in the proposed set-up.

The federation is also believed to be assessing public reaction to the possibility, particularly following Algeria’s success at the Mediterranean Games in Italy.

Hemdani’s relationship with the media has, however, been complicated by an incident during the tournament. A confrontation took place after journalists filmed Algeria’s players celebrating their qualification for the semi-finals near the dressing room.

Hemdani reacted badly to the presence of the journalists, and since that incident he has not been made available for media interviews.

Despite that episode, his name has continued to gain support within the federation as officials examine a solution for the national team.

Yahia is considered the key figure in the proposed structure, but Hemdani’s involvement is viewed as a way of adding experience and credibility to an arrangement that could potentially continue for longer than initially expected.

The absence of a European coaching profile is also a factor in the discussions. The federation is considering whether Hemdani and Yahia could remain in charge until at least the 2027 AFCON next summer, provided Algeria produce the required results during the September and October international windows.

The proposed plan would also have consequences for Algeria’s Under-20 national team.

The U20 side is scheduled to compete in the qualifying tournament for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations at the same time, creating a potential coaching issue if Hemdani becomes involved with the senior team.

The 2007-born squad was already largely left out of the Mediterranean Games because of the stronger presence of the 2005 group, which includes players such as Akhrib and Kohili.

If the Hemdani-Yahia arrangement goes ahead, the U20 team could find itself without a coach unless Hocine El Orfi, who has been described as a behind-the-scenes figure, is retained in that role.

For now, the federation has yet to make an official announcement. The coming weeks are expected to determine whether Hemdani and Yahia will take charge of Algeria and whether what is currently viewed as a provisional solution can develop into a longer-term arrangement.