Algerian side Mouloudia have officially announced that they have signed a two-year contract with Abdel-Haq Benchikha to replace Abdelhak Meklati in leading the first team.

The 51-year-old tactician stood down as manager of Algeria following the crushing 4-0 defeat at the hands of arch rivals Morocco in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Marrakech last June.

Benchikha will be officially introduced in a press conference within the coming few days as he will be attending Mouloudia's opening league game against JS Kabylie next Tuesday.

Mouloudia have virtually lost all hope of reaching the semi finals of the CAF Champions League as they lie at the bottom of their group with two points.