Brahim Hemdani is reportedly set to remain in charge of Algeria beyond the September international break, regardless of the results in his first competitive matches as national-team manager.
Hemdani was officially appointed this weekend after leading Algeria’s Espoirs to success at the Mediterranean Games. However, uncertainty had surrounded the length of his contract, with the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) appearing to suggest that he had been given the position on an interim basis.
The wording used by the FAF indicated that the next international window could serve as an assessment period. Under that interpretation, Hemdani’s position would be reviewed after the results against Zambia, Burundi and Niger, with a permanent appointment dependent on performances.
That now appears unlikely to be the case.
According to insider Imad Mostefai, the 48-year-old has completed a contract that runs through the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The agreement reportedly includes a minimum target of reaching the semi-finals, meaning Hemdani’s position should not depend on the outcome of the fixtures scheduled for September and October.
Algeria begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Zambia on 25 September at Tizi Ouzou. Four days later, they travel to Bujumbura to face Burundi.
The Fennecs will then return to Tizi Ouzou for a friendly against Niger on 6 October. Those matches had been expected to provide the first major test of Hemdani’s suitability for the role, given the uncertainty around whether his appointment was temporary or permanent.
Hemdani will be supported by a coaching team featuring Anthar Yahia as assistant manager, Nasser Daineche as fitness coach and Nasredine Berarma as goalkeeper coach. An Algeria international is also expected to join the staff from November.
The appointment brings together several Algerian figures with close knowledge of the national team and the country’s football structure. Their immediate task, alongside Hemdani, will be to restore confidence after Algeria’s disappointing World Cup 2026 campaign.
Algeria were eliminated in the last 16 of that tournament after losing 2-0 to Switzerland. The early exit left the national side needing a fresh start, and the new coaching team will be expected to oversee that rebuilding process while pursuing the stated objective of reaching at least the semi-finals of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
For now, the information surrounding Hemdani’s agreement remains based on reports rather than a full public explanation from the FAF. But the details emerging suggest that Algeria’s leadership has already committed to a longer-term plan, rather than waiting for the September fixtures before deciding whether to retain him.