The Federation algerienne de football (FAF) will announce Algeria’s next national team manager on Saturday, 5 September, bringing an end to a month-long search for Vladimir Petkovic’s successor.
The federation confirmed the timing in a statement released on Wednesday, saying the new appointment would be revealed after the meeting of its federal bureau.
The announcement will resolve uncertainty over whether Brahim Hemdani is to be given the role or whether the FAF will opt for an overseas coach. Hemdani is considered a strong candidate after recently winning a gold medal with Algeria’s Under-20 side at the Mediterranean Games.
However, it remains unclear whether the former international will be appointed on a permanent basis or selected as an interim solution while the federation assesses his suitability for the position.
Several names have been linked with the vacancy in recent days. Uruguay’s Gustavo Poyet and Portugal’s Roberto Martinez were reportedly leading the race, according to a number of reliable sources. The FAF was also understood to have held advanced discussions with two coaches who are currently under contract elsewhere.
Felix Sanchez and Tom Saintfiet were said to have agreed to the proposal, although no appointment has yet been confirmed by the federation.
Investigative journalist Romain Molina has reported that Hemdani has the support of Ali Moucer, the FAF’s technical director. If Hemdani is chosen, he is expected to take charge of the national team on a temporary basis rather than receive an immediate long-term contract.
The federation would then use Algeria’s next international fixtures to judge whether he should remain in the post. Under the proposed structure, Anthar Yahia would work alongside him as assistant manager, while Moussa Saib would take on the role of general manager.
The new coaching team will face an immediate competitive test. Algeria are due to play Zambia and Burundi in the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
They are also scheduled to play a friendly against one of Niger, Mali or Chad during the international window running from 21 September to 6 October.
The appointment comes one month after the FAF formally parted company with Petkovic. The federation’s decision to set a firm announcement date means the prolonged wait over the national team’s next manager is now close to ending.
The identity of the appointee will determine whether Algeria continue with a domestic figure in Hemdani or turn to one of the foreign coaches who have been under consideration during the search.