Algeria are considering a partnership between former international defender Antar Yahia and Ibrahim Hamdani as they continue their search for a new head coach following the disappointing end of Vladimir Petkovic’s tenure.
The Algerian Football Federation has yet to appoint Petkovic’s successor, with time running short before the next competitive fixtures. Algeria will begin their qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in the final days of September, hosting Zambia before travelling to face Burundi.
The federation is now seriously examining the possibility of placing Hamdani in charge, with Yahia taking on a prominent supporting role. A final decision is expected at a meeting of the federal bureau next Saturday.
Of the 10 African nations that appeared at the most recent World Cup, six have changed their managers, according to French newspaper L’Equipe. Five countries have already appointed new coaches ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, leaving Algeria as the only one yet to settle on a manager.
The lack of a suitable foreign candidate has led to a rethink. Some Algeria supporters had expected the federation to move for Herve Renard after the Frenchman was linked with the job following the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire. However, that possibility did not develop this time and formal negotiations were never activated.
The federation did consult a number of overseas coaches. Through the National Technical College, led by former Algeria manager Rabah Saadane, it drew up a shortlist of three candidates: Felix Sanchez Bas, Rafael Benitez and Tom Saintfiet.
Sanchez Bas, who previously managed Qatar and Ecuador, held talks with Algeria but also made clear that he was interested in pursuing an opportunity in Asia. That development weakened what had been viewed as the federation’s “plan A”.
Other names were also considered, including Igor Tudor and Xavi, but there was no positive response, L’Equipe reported. No domestic coach emerged as an obvious choice either, leaving the federation to conclude that the ideal profile was not currently available on the market.
In the meantime, Yahia has been asked to prepare an extended squad for the September matches. The former Algeria defender has contacted players and members of their entourages in an effort to reassure them after the frustration caused by the World Cup exit.
That temporary assignment could now become a permanent position, potentially with wider responsibilities. Yahia’s close involvement with the players and the national team environment has made him a central figure in the federation’s thinking.
Hamdani only emerged as a serious option on the domestic scene last month. He was appointed Algeria Under-20 manager in July, having previously guided the Under-21 side to victory at the Mediterranean Games. That success was notable because Algeria had not won the competition since 1975.
The former Olympique de Marseille player’s coaching career has otherwise been relatively modest. He previously worked with French lower-division clubs Cote Bleue, Marignane and Courbevoie.
Both Hamdani and Yahia represented Algeria during their playing careers, while their close knowledge of the country’s football system and wider football culture is viewed as an advantage. The federation must now decide whether they would represent only a short-term solution or a partnership capable of leading the team beyond the immediate fixtures.
Although neither has extensive experience at the highest level of coaching, the federation is prepared to take the gamble and could extend the project if the early signs are encouraging. The longer-term target would be the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania from 19 June to 18 July.
