FAF prepares to end Algeria’s coaching uncertainty after month-long wait

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) will reveal the identity of the national team’s next head coach on Saturday, 5 September, bringing to an end a month of uncertainty following the official separation from Vladimir Petkovic.

The announcement will be made after a meeting of the FAF’s federal bureau, the governing body confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday. The federation’s decision provides a clear timetable for the appointment, although it has not indicated which candidate will be selected.

Brahim Hemdani is understood to be strongly in contention for the role. The former Algeria international has recently won a gold medal with the Algeria U20 team at the Mediterranean Games, and his achievement has strengthened his position in the discussions over the senior post.

However, it remains unclear whether Hemdani will be confirmed as the new leader of the Fennecs or whether the FAF will opt for an overseas coach. Several names have been linked with the vacancy during the month-long search.

Among those reportedly at the front of the race in recent days were Uruguay’s Gustavo Poyet and Portugal’s Roberto Martinez. Sources described as credible also indicated that negotiations had progressed with two coaches who are currently under contract elsewhere.

Felix Sanchez and Tom Saintfiet, meanwhile, were reported to have agreed to take the position. The claims have added to the uncertainty surrounding an appointment that the FAF is now expected to settle at the weekend.

Investigative journalist Romain Molina has reported that Hemdani is supported by Ali Moucer, the FAF’s technical director. If he is chosen, Hemdani would initially take charge of the national side on a temporary basis rather than receiving an immediate permanent appointment.

The federation would then assess his work during the upcoming international period before deciding whether to retain him. Under the proposed structure, Anthar Yahia would assist Hemdani as assistant coach, while Moussa Saib would serve as general manager.

The timing of the decision is significant because Algeria face a demanding run of fixtures soon after the announcement. The Greens are scheduled to play Zambia and Burundi in the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

They will then play an international friendly against one of Niger, Mali or Chad. That sequence of matches is due to take place between 21 September and 6 October, giving the FAF a limited period in which to finalise its plans and prepare the squad under the new coaching set-up.

The identity of the next Algeria manager will therefore be known after the federal bureau meeting on Saturday, with Hemdani, experienced foreign coaches and candidates already reported to have accepted the role all remaining part of the speculation until the federation makes its decision.