The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) will announce the country’s next national team manager on Saturday, 5 September, bringing an end to a month-long search following the official departure of Vladimir Petkovic.
The federation confirmed the date in a statement issued on Wednesday, saying the announcement would be made after a meeting of its federal bureau.
The identity of Petkovic’s successor remains uncertain, with Brahim Hemdani among the leading candidates for the role. Hemdani has only recently guided Algeria’s Under-20 side to a gold medal at the Mediterranean Games and is strongly tipped to become the new head coach of the senior team.
However, the FAF could still opt for an overseas appointment, with several foreign coaches reported to be under consideration.
Uruguay’s Gustavo Poyet and Portugal’s Roberto Martinez were said by several reliable sources to be the leading contenders a few days ago. Negotiations were also reportedly well advanced with two coaches who are currently under contract elsewhere.
In addition, Felix Sanchez and Tom Saintfiet are understood to have indicated that they would accept the position.
According to investigative journalist Romain Molina, Hemdani has the backing of Ali Moucer, the FAF’s technical director. Should he be appointed, Hemdani would initially take charge of the national team on a temporary basis rather than receiving a permanent contract from the outset.
The federation would then assess his results during the upcoming international window before deciding whether he should remain in the post. Under the proposed arrangement, Anthar Yahia would work alongside him as assistant manager, while Moussa Saib would take on the role of general manager.
The timing of the announcement is significant because Algeria face a busy period of international football shortly afterwards. The Fennecs are scheduled to play Zambia and Burundi in the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
They will then play a friendly against one of Niger, Mali or Chad. That match is expected to take place at some point between 21 September and 6 October.
The FAF’s decision will therefore determine who leads Algeria into a competitive run of fixtures, while also clarifying whether the federation intends to place its immediate trust in Hemdani or appoint a more experienced foreign coach.
Petkovic’s exit was formally confirmed one month before the planned announcement of his replacement. Since then, the uncertainty over the next manager has prompted speculation involving both unattached coaches and candidates who remain tied to other clubs or national teams.
The federation is now expected to settle the issue after Saturday’s federal bureau meeting, when it will finally reveal the person chosen to lead Algeria.
