The 71-year-old Frenchman - who guided France to the Euro 2000 title and then Tunisia to the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations trophy - signed a one year contract with the club, with the option of another year.

Lemerre, who stepped down from the France post after a humiliating defence of their World title in 2002 when they went out in the first round, will take charge of his first match in the July 28 friendly with Ligue 1 outfit Nice according to club president Mohamed Boulhabib.

CS Constantine, who finished 13th out of 20 in the league last season, have won the title just once, back in 1997.

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