Algeria have appointed former Porto striker Rabah Madjer for a fourth stint in charge of the national team.
The 58-year-old takes over from Spaniard Lucas Alcaraz, who was sacked after a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign.
Algeria have taken just one point from their five matches in the third round, with Madjer – who scored 28 goals in 87 appearances for his country – to take over for their final Group B clash against qualified Nigeria next month.
Madjer, who most recently held the post in 2002, is perhaps best remembered for his equaliser in the 1987 European Cup final, which Porto won 2-1 against Bayern Munich
Madjer, 58, becomes the country’s fifth national coach in three years and must pick up the pieces after their failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
Their poor qualifying campaign cost Alcaraz his position as he was sacked earlier this month after just six months in the role.
Madjer reached stardom as a Porto player during the 1980’s, being widely regarded as one of the best Algerian football players of all time.With that club he won nine major titles during his six-year spell, including three national championships and the 1987 European Cup.
One of the most prolific Algerian internationals in number of games and goals, Madjer played in two World Cups with his national team, helping it to its first ever participation in 1982. Having taken up coaching immediately after retiring, he managed several clubs, and also had several spells with the Algerian team.
