Unsurprisingly, the federal board of the FAF has confirmed the appointment of Brahim Hemdani as head of the senior national team. The former Greens midfielder, who will partner with Anthar Yahia, is set to succeed Vladimir Petkovic, dismissed following the 2026 World Cup. write me a 1000 word articleUnsurprisingly, the federal board of the FAF has confirmed the appointment of Brahim Hemdani as head of the senior national team. The former Greens midfielder, who will partner with Anthar Yahia, is set to succeed Vladimir Petkovic, dismissed following the 2026 World Cup. Brahim Hemdani is officially the new manager of the Algeria senior national team. This Saturday, September 5, 2026, the federal executive of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) ratified his appointment to replace Vladimir Petkovic. The former Greens midfielder will work in close partnership with Anthar Yahia, appointed assistant coach, while Moussa Saib joins the organizational setup as general manager. This decisive selection represents a major pivot for the FAF, abandoning the foreign option to institute a 100% Algerian solution.
The FAF Executive Board gathering, chaired by Walid Sadi this Saturday, was eagerly anticipated by observers of the national sport. Following a month of rumors, failed negotiations with international tacticians, and tactical reversals, the governing body chose to place its trust in a novel pair comprising two former Fennecs figures: Brahim Hemdani and Anthar Yahia. This decision was not accidental. Recently crowned with the Algerian under-21 (U21) squad at the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy, where he claimed a prestigious gold medal, Brahim Hemdani saw his reputation soar. This triumph with Algerian youth convinced the national technical direction (DTN) and board members that the former player of Olympique de Marseille and Glasgow Rangers had the strength and legitimacy required to guide the teammates of Rayan Ait-Nouri and Amine Gouiri.
This appointment comes during a period of critical rebuilding. Last July, following a 2026 World Cup marked by mixed performances and an early round-of-32 exit against Switzerland (2-0), the FAF authorized the sacking of Vladimir Petkovic. Despite a contract extension granted right before the North American tournament, the Swiss manager’s inability to establish a settled starting lineup and instill a distinct tactical identity brought an end to his tenure. With the split finalized, the FAF initially pursued a renowned international candidate. Options involving Spaniard Felix Sanchez and Roberto Martinez were considered, but tight deadlines and financial limits compelled the Algiers federation to overhaul its strategy completely. Facing imminent international fixtures, the FAF chose the path of passion, identity, and unity. Anthar Yahia, the iconic captain and hero of the 2010 World Cup qualification, will supply his dressing-room expertise, authority, and inherent athletic patriotism. Joining this duo is another icon: Moussa Saib. The former playmaker for JSK and Auxerre will serve as general manager. His role will be essential: stabilizing the squad’s surroundings, streamlining dialogue between players and executives, and shielding the roster from relentless outside pressures.
By placing leadership with this local technical team, the FAF is betting on national pride and native understanding of the green jersey. It represents a massive opening for Brahim Hemdani, who moves within weeks from youth ranks to the spotlight of the senior squad. The Algerian public now trusts that the magic of Taranto will transfer to the main team to return the Fennecs to the pinnacle of African football.