Brahim Hemdani in the deep end with Algeria
After the end of Vladimir Petković’s tenure, the Algerian Football Federation confirmed the appointment of Brahim Hemdani on the Verts’ bench. The former Olympique de Marseille captain arrives supported by an expanded staff and buoyed by a recent U21 title, with the heavy task of launching the CAN 2027 qualifiers and guiding the team towards the future.
Malick BAMBA · Author profile ·
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The post-Petković era has officially begun in Algeria. Formalized on Saturday, September 5 at the Sidi Moussa Technical Center by the Federal Bureau of the Algerian Football Federation, the appointment of Brahim Hemdani marks a major turning point. At 48, the former international midfielder rises to the top of national football. To take on this tremendous challenge, the new coach surrounds himself with former stars: Antar Yahia as assistant and Moussa Saïb as general manager. A trio of former leaders, crafted to impose authority and restore stability.
The methodical rise of a seasoned profile
A former captain of OM — finalist of the old UEFA Cup in 2004 — who also played for Cannes, Strasbourg, and Rangers, Hemdani built his legitimacy on and off the field. Holder of the UEFA Pro license and strengthened by experience in France, he made a strong impression with the junior Fennecs.
His crowning achievement? Leading the Algerian U21s to the gold medal at the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, breaking a 51-year silence in the competition. This major success convinced the federation to hand him the keys to the first team.
Regaining ground and renewal
The task ahead looks substantial after recent failures in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup against Switzerland and in the quarterfinals of the last AFCON against Nigeria. The main objective is already clear: to get the qualifying campaign for AFCON 2027 off to a solid start. Hemdani will have to impose a clear playing identity while gradually integrating young talents, whom he knows perfectly from his time in charge of the youth squad. This ambitious roadmap aims to re-establish Algeria at the top through to 2030.