The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has appointed former Marseille midfielder Brahim Hemdani as head coach following the departure of Vladimir Petkovic, state television reported on Saturday.
The French-born 48-year-old, who earned two caps for Algeria during his playing career, has limited coaching experience but takes charge after guiding Algeria’s under-21 side to gold at the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy, last week.
Hemdani succeeds Petkovic, whose tenure was ended by the FAF in early August despite a contract extension that was due to keep him in charge until 2028.
Under the Swiss coach, Algeria qualified for the knockout stage of the World Cup for only the second time in their history, matching their 2014 achievement. Their progress was aided in part by the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams.
Algeria’s campaign, however, ended in the last 32 with a 2-0 defeat by Switzerland.
Petkovic’s side had also suffered disappointment at the Africa Cup of Nations in January, where Algeria were eliminated in the quarter-finals following a 2-0 defeat by Nigeria.
AFP
