ALGIERS, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Algerian Football Federation (FAF) announced on Wednesday overnight that Djamel Belmadi will replace Rabah Madjier as the new head coach of the national squad.
"President of FAF, Kheireddine Zetchireached, reached on Wednesday in Paris an agreement with Djamel Belmadi (42) to become the new coach of the Algerian national team," read the FAF statement posted on its official website.
"Former captain of the national team, Djamel Belmadi, succeeds Rabah Madjer, as he will sign very soon a contract until the 2022 World Cup due in Qatar," said the FAF in a statement, accompanied by a photo showing a handshake between Zetchi and Belmadi.
The main challenges of Belmadi is to lead the Greens to an advanced stage at the African Cup of Nations (CAN-2019) and secure qualification to the World Cup 2022 due in Qatar.
Belmadi's first official match is due for 7, 8, or 9 September against the Gambia in Banjul, as part of CAN -2019 qualifiers. This match will certainly be awaited by Algerians who are eager to see the Greens back on track.
Belmadi was born in France and played for prominent European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and Olympic Marseille in France, as well as Manchester City in England.
He further proved himself as a high up coach, as he led Qatar to win 2014 Gulf Cup of Nations. He also managed Qatari club of Lekhwiya several times, and led them to win several trophies, including Qatar Stars League (2010-11, 2011-12, 2016-17, 2017-18), Qatar Emir Cup (2016, 2018), and Qatar Cup (2018).
