Tom Saintfiet emerges as surprise contender for Algeria manager’s role

Algeria’s search for Vladimir Petkovic’s successor has been narrowed to three names, with former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez joined by ex-Qatar boss Felix Sanchez and surprise candidate Tom Saintfiet.

The shortlist was reportedly drawn up by Algeria’s national technical committee at a meeting in Sidi Moussa on Thursday, only three days after the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) officially announced Petkovic’s dismissal.

Petkovic, the Swiss-Bosnian coach, was removed after Algeria’s unsuccessful 2026 World Cup campaign. According to Competition, the technical committee has now submitted its recommendations and the final decision rests with FAF president Walid Sadi.

Benitez’s inclusion had been anticipated, with his name circulating for several days. Sanchez has also emerged as a prominent candidate since Wednesday and is understood to be highly regarded within the federation.

Saintfiet’s presence on the shortlist, however, represents the major surprise.

The 53-year-old Belgian has a markedly different background from the two Spanish candidates. While Benitez has managed some of Europe’s biggest clubs, and Sanchez has led Qatar, Saintfiet has built his reputation through extensive work across African international football.

He has coached Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Malawi, Togo, The Gambia and Mali. His tenure with The Gambia brought him the greatest recognition after he guided the country to a surprise qualification for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Saintfiet was dismissed by The Gambia in April, as his contract approached its conclusion, following elimination by Senegal in the quarter-finals of the most recent Africa Cup of Nations. He is now available for appointment.

His knowledge of African football could count in his favour, but his nomination remains unexpected because his name had not previously featured prominently in discussions over the Algeria job. He has also never managed one of Africa’s leading national teams.

The competition is therefore expected to remain open, with Saintfiet offering a different profile from the more established Benitez and Sanchez. The final choice will be made by Sadi, who must decide who will take charge of the Fennecs.

The new manager’s first assignment will be Algeria’s opening two matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Those fixtures are scheduled for late September against Zambia and Burundi.

The process follows Algeria’s decision to end Petkovic’s tenure after the failure of the 2026 World Cup campaign. The national technical committee has completed its role by presenting the three candidates, leaving the federation president to select the coach who will lead the team into the next phase.