Algeria has confirmed former player Djamel Belmadi as their new head coach. It is understood that Belmadi, 42 has signed a five-year contract with his country and has replaced Rabah Madjer.

Belmadi who had most recently managed Qatar Stars League side Al Duhail, and announced in July that he was going to leave the league champions. Duhail promptly announced his replacement, the former Tunisian national team boss Nabil Maâloul. This will not be Belmadi's first stint in international football having previously managed the Qatar national team.

Belmadi is no stranger to the Algerian set-up having been capped 20 times by the Desert Warriors between 2000-2004. The former midfielder also enjoyed a successful club career in Europe representing several teams including Manchester City, Southampton & Marseille. 

The first order of business for Belmadi will be to kick-start Algeria’s qualification campaign for the 2019 African Cup of Nations in Cameroon. Algeria is set to take on The Gambia on the 7th of September.