Algeria are still without a permanent manager less than a month before their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign begins, with former Comoros boss Stefano Cusin among those to have put himself forward for the role.
The 56-year-old Italian has approached the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) about succeeding Vladimir Petkovic, who left his position on 3 August, according to L’Equipe.
Despite a succession of applications, enquiries and negotiations, the FAF and its president Walid Sadi have yet to agree on a candidate to lead the Fennecs.
Cusin has built a career across several countries and regions, working with the youth sides of Cameroon and Congo-Brazzaville before managing Al-Ittihad Tripoli and clubs in the Gulf. He later took charge of South Sudan and then Comoros, whom he coached from 2023 to 2026.
He guided Comoros back to the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025. Their campaign in the tournament ended in the group stage, with two draws and one defeat.
That experience has given Cusin a substantial background in African football, but his record does not appear to match the level of profile Algeria are seeking. He has not managed a national team of the standing of the Fennecs, nor worked at the highest level of club football, which may explain why his name has not emerged as one of the leading options.
Several high-profile candidates considered
The FAF’s search has continued without a clear breakthrough since Petkovic’s departure. Herve Renard, a popular choice among some Algeria supporters, is understood not to have been a serious option this time.
A national technical committee led by Rabah Saadane is then reported to have identified a number of possible candidates, including Rafael Benitez, Tom Saintfiet and Felix Sanchez Bas.
Sanchez Bas appeared to move ahead of the other contenders after talks were held with the former Qatar and Ecuador manager. However, he subsequently pursued another opportunity, understood to be in Asia.
Other coaches linked with the vacancy, or contacted as part of the search, include Gustavo Poyet, Igor Tudor and Xavi, along with several Italian managers. None of those discussions has yet resulted in a final appointment.
With the federation still unable to identify what it considers the ideal candidate, an internal solution is now being considered.
Anthar Yahia is already working on an extended squad list for Algeria’s September matches and has contacted several players and members of their entourages in preparation for the next international window.
He could be joined by Brahim Hemdani, who was recently appointed coach of Algeria’s Under-20 side. Hemdani also led the country’s Under-21 team to victory at the Mediterranean Games.
A partnership between Yahia and Hemdani would give the national side a management team with a detailed understanding of the Fennecs’ environment. However, both men have limited experience at the very highest level of international football.
The FAF is expected to make a decision soon. Algeria will begin their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign at home against Zambia before travelling to face Burundi.