Despite earlier than hoped for exits by their teams from the ACN, the coaches of Tunisia and host nation Angola have received welcome backing.   The Carthage Eagles supremo, Faouzi Benzarti, has been offered a contract extension by his football federation (FTF) despite criticism of his ACN finals campaign, which saw Tunisia finish bottom of their group.   FTF board member Ahmed Aloulou said: “As of July 1st 2010, Benzarti will have a four-year contract as national team coach, that is until the 2014 World Cup.”

The Carthage Eagles supremo, Faouzi Benzarti, has been offered a contract extension by his football federation (FTF) despite criticism of his ACN finals campaign, which saw Tunisia finish bottom of their group.

FTF board member Ahmed Aloulou said: “As of July 1^st 2010, Benzarti will have a four-year contract as national team coach, that is until the 2014 World Cup.”

The surprise decision comes, however, as the board announced its premature resignation in the wake of Nations Cup and World Cup failures. The current federation is considered among Tunisia’s worst-ever.

Members of Angola’s squad have publicly backed their manager, Manuel Jose, to continue in the job, despite their quarter-final elimination from the ACN.

Captain Kali said: “He’s done an immense job in a short period of time. Since he took over, we’ve made lots of progress and if we have more time, we’ll do better.”

Defender Rui Marques concurred, adding: “I believe he is the right person, with time, to build up something very strong with Angola.

“He created a very good atmosphere with the players and I think everybody will be pleased if he stays.”

Despite earlier than hoped for exits by their teams from the ACN, the coaches of Tunisia and host nation Angola have received welcome backing.

The Carthage Eagles supremo, Faouzi Benzarti, has been offered a contract extension by his football federation (FTF) despite criticism of his ACN finals campaign, which saw Tunisia finish bottom of their group.

FTF board member Ahmed Aloulou said: “As of July 1^st 2010, Benzarti will have a four-year contract as national team coach, that is until the 2014 World Cup.”

The surprise decision comes, however, as the board announced its premature resignation in the wake of Nations Cup and World Cup failures. The current federation is considered among Tunisia’s worst-ever.

Members of Angola’s squad have publicly backed their manager, Manuel Jose, to continue in the job, despite their quarter-final elimination from the ACN.

Captain Kali said: “He’s done an immense job in a short period of time. Since he took over, we’ve made lots of progress and if we have more time, we’ll do better.”

Defender Rui Marques concurred, adding: “I believe he is the right person, with time, to build up something very strong with Angola.

“He created a very good atmosphere with the players and I think everybody will be pleased if he stays.”