BEIRUT: Lebanon have appointed former Algerian international Madjid Bougherra as their ​new coach, the national football association said.

Local media said it was a four-year deal.

The 43-year-old had previously been in charge of Algeria’s ‌A team ‌and won ‌the ⁠Arab ​Cup ‌with them in 2021 but resigned after they failed to defend their title in Qatar in December.

Bougherra captained Algeria at the ⁠2014 World Cup and also ‌played at the 2010 ‍finals. The ‍French-born central defender began ‍his playing career at Gueugnon before moving across the English Channel playing at Crewe ​Alexandra, Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton Athletic and Rangers in ⁠Scotland.

His first match in charge will be Lebanon’s Asian Cup qualifier against Yemen in Qatar on March 31 where they only need a draw to qualify for the 2027 finals in Saudi ‌Arabia.