Petro Coach Santos Extends Contract Until 2023

Alexandre Santos has extended his contract as Petro du Luanda coach until the end of 2023 season, the club announced on Wednesday.

The 45-year-old Brazilian manager took over as the head coach of Petros at the beginning of 2021/2022 season, leading them to CAF Champions League semifinals.

Earlier reports had indicated that the Angolan top-flight giants had planned to replace him with former Ghana coach Milon Rajevac for next season.

But looks like those plans were abandoned after Santos inspired a revival, as the club currently leads the championship with three matches to go.

Santos also surprised South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns in the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League and made to last four of the tournament in 21 years.

In the first leg, Os Tricolores came from a goal down to beat Masandawana 2-1 at the Estadio 11 de Novembro.

In the return fixture, they completed the upset with a 1-1 draw with Manqoba Mngqithi’s men at FNB Stadium, winning the tie 3-2 on aggregate.

Petro are set to face Moroccan champions Wydad Casablanca in the next round, a team they beat and lost to in the group stage this season.

Petro won 2-1 in Luanda in February, but suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to the same opposition in Casablanca early this month.