Brahim Hemdani will have to wait for the Federation Algerienne de Football (FAF) to decide on his request for an additional assistant to join Algeria’s coaching staff.
According to dewinwin, Hemdani asked the FAF to appoint a second assistant alongside Antar Yahia, who has worked with him since the pair took charge of the national team in September.
The federation subsequently asked Hemdani and Yahia to suggest possible candidates. A shortlist of former Algeria internationals was then submitted for consideration.
Nadir Belhadj and Karim Matmour are among the names proposed. Both have a good relationship with Hemdani and Yahia, having played alongside them for the national team during their careers. The identities of the other candidates have not been disclosed.
However, the appointment of a second assistant has now been delayed until next March, meaning the new member of staff would arrive for the training camp after November, according to the same report.
The FAF is understood to have chosen to assess the applications carefully before reaching a decision. Some of the candidates, including Belhadj, are still under contract with their clubs.
Belhadj has officially been responsible for Al-Sadd’s youth players since July 2023. His current role is one of the factors being considered as the federation reviews the available options.
The FAF does not regard the appointment as an immediate priority. Hemdani and Yahia have already settled all the arrangements for Algeria’s next camp and are continuing to communicate with and monitor the players in real time.
Delaying the decision would also give the eventual appointment more time to prepare for the role and take up the position without unnecessary pressure.
Algeria are due to face Togo twice in November in the third and fourth rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The first meeting will take place in Tizi-Ouzou on 14 November, before the return fixture in Lome on 17 November.
The Fennecs began their campaign last month with a 3-1 victory over Zambia in Tizi-Ouzou and a 2-2 draw against Burundi. Those results have left them top of Group I, one point clear of the team in second place.
A pair of victories against Togo would strengthen Algeria’s position and represent a significant step towards reaching the final tournament.