Former New Zealand coach Andy Moles took charge of the Afghan team on Thursday replacing Pakistan's Kabir Khan, who resigned last week citing family reasons.
The announcement comes ahead of the World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand from February to March, with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) looking to the Englishman's international experience to help the fast-rising team.
Moles, 53, said he looked forward to the challenge.
"I am very excited as I take on the role of national coach for Afghanistan," he said.
"The ACB has a very talented bunch of players and I am looking forward to the challenges of working with them to help them reach the pinnacle of their performance as individuals and as a team."
The former Warwickshire batsman's CV includes coaching positions with Kenya, Scotland, and Test-playing New Zealand from 2008 to 2009.
War-ravaged Afghanistan has risen quickly through cricket's ranks since reforming their team in 2004.
They rose from division five to division one over the course of 2008, and gained one-day status in 2009.
Afghanistan have also featured in three World Twenty20 tournaments - 2010, 2012 and 2014 - and last year qualified for their maiden 50-over World Cup.
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