The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) is reconsidering its plans to appoint a foreign manager, with Brahim Hemdani emerging as a possible candidate to take charge of the national team.
Algeria remain without a permanent manager less than three weeks before the next international break. A number of names have been linked with the vacancy, but none has officially secured the approval of the FAF.
The uncertainty has prompted the federation to examine the possibility of turning to a coach from within Algeria. Hemdani is understood to have strengthened his position after leading the Under-20 side to a gold medal at the Mediterranean Games, including a victory over Morocco.
The original plan was for Hemdani to work alongside Anthar Yahia during the international window if the FAF had not appointed a new manager. Because Yahia did not have the required coaching qualification available for the role, Hemdani would have been formally registered as head coach.
However, his success with the under-20 team is reported to have changed the balance of responsibility. According to insider Imad Mostefai, the FAF is now seriously considering appointing Hemdani as the official manager of the senior side.
Under that proposed structure, Yahia would become his assistant, while Moussa Saib would take on the role of general manager. Hemdani would therefore not simply hold the title of head coach for administrative reasons, but would also be expected to lead the team in the dressing room and on the sporting side.
The arrangement is being considered as a possible alternative if Algeria’s attempts to recruit a Spanish or Portuguese manager fail. The FAF had extended its deadline for finding a new coach until 15 September, and the local option could become more prominent if no agreement is reached by the middle of the month.
Algeria had previously been linked with Roberto Martinez, who most recently managed Portugal. Several sources said the former Portugal manager was highly interested in taking charge of the Fennecs and would be prepared to lower his financial expectations to make the move possible.
There had also been reports of advanced discussions with Gustavo Poyet. The outlook for the Uruguayan’s candidacy is now less certain, however, particularly because he does not come from the Iberian coaching school preferred by the FAF.
For now, the federation’s search remains open. But Hemdani’s recent success with Algeria’s young players has given the local candidate significant momentum and could lead to a change in the leadership plan if a foreign appointment cannot be completed before the September deadline.
