Algeria turn to Hemdani-led home-grown team for new era

Algeria have confirmed the coaching team that will work with new head coach Brahim Hemdani, with former captain Anthar Yahia appointed as his assistant and an entirely Algerian staff assembled for the start of the new regime.

The Algeria Football Federation (FAF) has opted for a domestic solution after several weeks of speculation and interest in foreign candidates to replace Vladimir Petkovic. The decision is likely to appeal to a country strongly attached to its national identity, although Hemdani’s limited experience as a manager at the highest level means the appointment carries an element of risk.

Yahia had already been involved in the transition following Petkovic’s departure and will now form the central partnership with Hemdani. The former Algeria captain will take on the role of assistant coach as the national side begins a new chapter.

Nasser Daineche, who is less familiar to the wider public, has been appointed fitness coach. Born in Martigues in 1982, the Franco-Algerian holds a UEFA A licence and brings previous knowledge of the national-team environment.

Daineche joined Algeria’s coaching set-up in 2021, working under both Djamel Belmadi and Madjid Bougherra. He later worked with Algeria’s Under-23 side before moving to the United Arab Emirates, where he became head of performance at Al-Jazira.

His earlier career included spells with Martigues and Polish club Olimpia Grudziadz. His experience with Algeria is expected to help the new staff as it prepares for an important run of fixtures at the beginning of Hemdani’s tenure.

The main continuity figure is goalkeeper coach Nasredine Berarma, who will remain in his position after serving under Petkovic. He is the only member of the former manager’s staff to retain his role.

Berarma’s appointment had initially been helped by his command of Italian. Based in Trento and educated in Italy, he was able to communicate directly with Petkovic in the language in which the Bosnian coach was most comfortable. His retention after Petkovic’s departure indicates that his value to the national team extended beyond that linguistic connection.

Video analysts will also be part of the coaching operation, although the FAF has not announced their identities.

The staff may not yet be complete. According to journalist Samir Kaabouche, a former Algeria international is expected to join the group from November.

For September, however, Algeria will begin with the quartet of Hemdani, Yahia, Daineche and Berarma. The new team will have little time to settle in, with a demanding schedule already approaching.

Algeria are due to host Zambia in Tizi Ouzou on 25 September before travelling to Burundi on 29 September to begin their qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Before those competitive matches, Hemdani’s staff will have a friendly against Niger, also in Kabylie, as an opportunity to prepare for the challenges ahead.

The appointment represents a significant change in direction for the FAF, which has traditionally favoured foreign managers. By placing an entirely Algerian coaching team in charge, the federation has chosen a distinctly national approach.

That experiment will come under close scrutiny from the outset, with the first results and the staff’s ability to adapt likely to shape the early perception of Hemdani’s tenure.