Hemdani and Yahia to lead Algeria's revival after Petkovic's failure

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) is reportedly moving toward a Brahim Hemdani–Anthar Yahia duo to succeed Vladimir Petkovic, who was dismissed after the Fennecs’ elimination in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, according to L’Équipe.

Appointed on February 29, 2024, the Bosnian manager lasted only a few months at the helm of the national team. Since early August, the FAF has been searching for his replacement and struggling to find a satisfactory profile. Anthar Yahia, a former Algerian international who played for US Orléans, has already been tasked with preparing the list of players to be called up during the September international window.

It is Brahim Hemdani who would complete this duo. The former defender, who was at OM between 2001 and 2005, has held the position of Algeria U20 manager since July. He has also just won the Mediterranean Games with the U21s, a first for Algeria since 1975. His appointment alongside Yahia has not yet been officially confirmed.

Before focusing on these two profiles, the FAF had explored several renowned European options. Rafael Benítez and Félix Sánchez — the latter withdrawing at the last moment — were studied, as were Igor Tudor and Xavi, approached without success.

The urgency is real: Algeria must prepare for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, and the September international window is fast approaching.