The manager's statements came in the wake of rumors that pointed to a termination of the contract with the Portuguese coach, and compatriot Luís Aires was the name suggested to replace Pedro Gonçalves in charge of Angola.
"The first time I heard about Pedro Gonçalves leaving the national team was on April 1st, April Fools' Day. I thought it was just a joke and that it would end there. However, I want to clarify that Pedro Gonçalves continues to be the coach of our national team and will continue to lead the Palancas Negras," he assured.
The rumors, which gained strength after being shared by some Angolan media outlets, began days after the Angolan football team lost to Cape Verde, 2-1, in Luanda, and complicated the qualification for the 2026 World Cup, in a game of the sixth round of the African Group D of qualification.
