Sagrada Esperança are to take up the last of Angola’s places in next season’s African Confederation Cup after InterClube decided they would not participate, the Angolan Football Federation said on Tuesday.

There was to be a draw between the two clubs to determine who would participate but this is no longer necessary, the federation added.

Angola’s season was brought to a premature close in March because of the coronavirus crisis with both clubs chasing places in the Taca Angola (Angolan Cup) final.

Sagrada Esperança defeated InterClube 3-1 in the first leg of the semifinal in Lunda Norte, but the second leg never took place because of the lockdown.

The season in Angola was cancelled last month and Petro Atletico declared champions, even though there were still six rounds left to play.

Petro will participate in next season’s Champions League along with runners-up Primeiro Agosto while third placed Bravos do Maquis go to the Confederation Cup winner. The other placed was reserved for the Angolan Cup winner. The other semifinal was between Primeiro Agosto and Bravos do Maquis – both already qualified for continental club competition.

Sagrada, who were Angolan champions in 2005 and won the cup in 1988 and 1999, have already participated in the Confederation Cup on three occasions – in 1992, 1998 and 2016 when they reached the quarterfinals. – Mzansi Football