Algeria football coach Brahim Hemdani begins squad rebuild

Brahim Hemdani has begun his tenure as the head coach of the Algeria national football team, preparing for upcoming CAN 2027 qualification matches, starting with a fixture against Zambia. Hemdani, who took over following the departure of Vladimir Petkovic, is working with an assistant coach, Anthar Yahia, and a 26-player squad currently training at the Sidi Moussa National Technical Centre.

The transition marks a significant shift for the team. Hemdani noted the lack of a stable core or established tactical framework left by his predecessor, observing that Petkovic utilized 28 different starting lineups across 28 matches. This lack of continuity has forced the new technical staff to rebuild the squad's structure from the ground up.

Recent squad changes include the absence of Houssem Aouar and Ramiz Zerrouki, as well as the international retirement of Riyad Mahrez and Aïssa Mandi. Following an injury to Nabil Bentaleb, Hemdani has called up 21-year-old midfielder Adil Bourabaâ from Mans FC to bolster the lineup.