Atletico Petroleos carrying the hopes of Angolan football on the continent
Atletico Petroleos is carrying the hopes of Angolan football as the only club representing the nation of 34 million people in the current season of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.
Founded 44 years to grow into the most successful club in the country, Os Tricolores, as the club is affectionately known is preparing to make their second Quarter-Finals appearance when they face five-time champions TP Mazembe in the double-legged affair on 30 March (away) and 06 April (home).
Petro are yet to go all the way in any CAF Inter-Club competition, but with this being their second appearance in the knockout stages, the Angolan side will be hoping to go all the way this season.
CAFOnline takes a look at some interesting information about the club.
Brief History
Atletico Petroleos, also known as Petro de Luanda or Petro was formed in 1980. They are celebrating 44 years of existence as a club.
Home Ground
The club plays its home matches at the Estadio 11 de Novembro in Luanda which has a capacity of 48 000.
Achievements
They are the current champions of the Angolan Premier League which has taken their titles to a record 17, with their first title league dating back to 1982.
Petro also won the Angola Cup 14 times and Angola Super Cup 6 times.
Continental Achievements
Petro are yet to taste continental success in any of the CAF Inter-club competitions. Their best run came in the 2021/22 season where they reached the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League after shocking Mamelodi Sundowns.
Head Coach – Alexandre Santos
Alexandre Santos is a Portugal-born coach who was appointed by the club in 2021. The 47-year-old coach is in his second appointment as head coach at club level after his first stint with FC Alverca in Portugal.
He has also been head coach of Sporting CP U23 side which was preceded by being assistant at SC Braga and other clubs in Portugal.
Key Player - Hugo Marques
Hugo Marques is Petro’s trusted man in between the sticks. The lanky shot stopper is a key figure for coach Santos’ side and not only through his shot stopping and acrobatic saves, but his leadership and command of his defense affords the club a strong leader on the pitch.
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