The Algerian Football Federation has appointed former international midfielder Ibrahim Hamdani as head coach of the national team, replacing Vladimir Petkovic.
The decision was confirmed following a meeting of the federation’s Federal Bureau on Saturday, 5 September, as Algeria begin a new phase ahead of upcoming international competitions.
Hamdani, 48, will be assisted by former Algeria defender Antar Yahia, with Nasreddine Berarma named goalkeeping coach and Nasser Dainiche appointed fitness coach.
Former Algeria international Moussa Saïb has also joined the national team set-up as general manager.
Preparation for 2027 Nations Cup
Hamdani’s appointment comes just over a month after the federation parted company with Petkovic on 3 August.
His first major task will be to prepare Algeria for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign, which begins later this month.
The Desert Foxes will host Zambia on 25 September at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou in their opening Group A qualifier before travelling to Bujumbura to face Burundi on 29 September.
Hamdani takes charge of the senior national team only days after guiding Algeria’s Under-21 side to the gold medal in the football tournament at the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto.
That success strengthened his credentials for the senior role and gives him momentum as he begins one of the biggest assignments of his coaching career.
As a player, Hamdani enjoyed an extensive career in European football, featuring for clubs including Cannes, Strasbourg, Olympique Marseille and Rangers.
He began his professional career with Cannes in 1997 before joining Strasbourg a year later.
In 2001, he moved to Marseille, where he spent four seasons, before signing for Scottish giants Rangers in June 2005.
Hamdani also represented Algeria at international level, making his debut on 31 May 2008 against Senegal during qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
