Algeria’s caretaker plans threatened by Hemdani’s under-20s commitment

Algeria’s proposed interim management team for September’s international window could be disrupted by a scheduling clash involving Brahim Hemdani, who is also expected to coach the national under-20 side during the same period.

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has yet to appoint a permanent head coach, with the next international window due to run from 21 September to 6 October. With less than a month remaining, the federation is understood to have activated an alternative plan involving Anthar Yahia and Hemdani.

The pair are expected to oversee Algeria’s opening two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Zambia and Burundi, as well as a friendly match currently being arranged against one of Mali, Niger or Chad.

Yahia would be responsible for the principal technical decisions and is expected to act as the senior figure in charge of the national team. However, because he does not hold a UEFA Pro Licence, Hemdani would reportedly be listed officially as the head coach on the match sheets.

That arrangement could prove difficult because Hemdani is also due to lead Algeria’s under-20 team from 24 September to 6 October. The junior side will take part in the Union of North African Football (UNAF) tournament, which serves as a qualifying competition for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations Under-20 tournament in Ghana.

As things stand, the 48-year-old would not be able to carry out both assignments at the same time if the FAF has not officially appointed a new head coach for the senior side by 15 September. That date has been set as the federation’s latest deadline for naming a permanent successor.

The FAF therefore faces a choice: release Hemdani from his upcoming under-20 duties or appoint a different coaching partner to work alongside Yahia for the senior team’s September fixtures.

The proposed arrangement reflects the difficulties facing Algeria’s federation as it attempts to settle the leadership of the national side before the competitive schedule resumes. The senior team’s first two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Zambia and Burundi would fall within the same window as the UNAF under-20 tournament, creating a direct overlap between the two roles.

Before the issue is resolved, Hemdani is focused on another assignment with Algeria. He will target gold in Sunday’s football final at the 2026 Mediterranean Games, where Algeria will face Tunisia after eliminating Morocco in the semi-finals.

The FAF’s decision on Hemdani’s availability will determine whether the Yahia-Hemdani partnership can operate as planned or whether a fresh interim arrangement is required before the 15 September deadline.