The Algerian Football Federation has named former Marseille midfielder Brahim Hemdani as the new head coach of the national team following Vladimir Petkovic’s departure.
State television reported the appointment on Saturday, with the French-born 48-year-old taking charge despite having limited experience in senior management.
Hemdani, who earned two caps for Algeria during his playing days, recently guided the country’s under-21 side to gold at the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy.
The federation parted ways with Petkovic in early August, despite having previously extended his contract until 2028.
Petkovic guided Algeria to the knockout phase of the World Cup for only the second time, matching their 2014 feat, although the 48-team format provided additional qualification opportunities.
Their tournament ended in the last 32 with a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland.
Algeria also endured disappointment at the Africa Cup of Nations in January, where Nigeria eliminated them 2-0 in the quarter-finals.
