Saudi Arabia appoint Herve Renard as manager to guide bid to qualify for World Cup 2022

The Frenchman had previously been in charge of Morocco at Africa Cup of Nations

Saudi Arabia manager Herve Renard. AFP 

Herve Renard, who resigned as Morocco manager following the team's surprise elimination at the African Cup of Nations, has announced he is taking over in charge of Saudi Arabia's national team.

"Happy to start a new adventure in Saudi Arabia on a new continent," the 50-year-old Frenchman tweeted.

He led Zambia to a surprise African Cup of Nations title in 2012 and has also coached the national teams of Angola, Ivory Coast and Morocco in Africa, as well as clubs in France, England, Algeria and Vietnam.

The Saudi Football Federation confirmed the appointment, with its boss Yasser Almisehal saying "the choice was made on a great name, capable of bringing something extra to Saudi football".

Renard's first challenge is qualifying Saudi for the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar.

Saudi reached the 2018 finals, where they finished third in Group A, defeating Egypt in their final match.

They have been paired in Group D of the second round of AFC qualification with Uzbekistan, Palestine, Yemen and Singapore.

Renard's first competitive game in charge will be on September 10 against Yemen.