Hemdani handed Algeria coaching role ahead of AFCON qualifiers

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Brahim Hemdani has been appointed Algeria’s new head coach, with the former international taking charge just weeks before the Desert Foxes begin their qualification campaign for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The French-born Hemdani, 48, has been handed the senior national team job after only two months in charge of Algeria’s under-20 side.

His appointment represents a rapid rise through the national-team coaching structure, despite his relatively limited experience in senior management.

Hemdani enjoyed a distinguished playing career, featuring for French club Olympique de Marseille before moving to Scotland, where he represented Rangers. He also earned two caps for Algeria in 2008.

His transition into coaching has been more modest, with Hemdani previously working with amateur clubs in France before taking over the Algeria U-20 team earlier this year.
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