Egyptian champions Ahli are set to extend the contracts of Angolan internationals Flavio Amado and Sebastiao Gilberto for two additional years, confirmed the club's marketing director Adli Al-Qaeyi. "The football committee agreed to offer Flavio and Gilberto new deals, but nothing will be discussed at the moment because we are in a crucial stage of the season," Al-Qaeyi told Filgoal.com on Tuesday. Ahli started their CAF Champions League group phase on Sunday with a 2-0 victory over Hilal of Sudan, as they prepare to take on Ismaili in the Egyptian cup semis on Thursday. "We might open talks with the duo at the pre-season period."
Gilberto is set for a return Flavio, who has two years remaining on his current contract, topped the scoring charts of the Egyptian league last season with 17 goals and has been in magnificent form in all competitions after a dismal 2005-2006 campaign. Consequently, the Angolan forward will be rewarded by a 50% pay raise to his new contract, as announced by Ahli's official site on Tuesday. On the other hand, Flavio's compatriot Gilberto, whose contract expires next year, has been almost out of action since the start of 2006 after suffering a serious Achilles injury. However, the Ahli board is willing to keep the services of the Angolan defender, who has been a key member of Manuel Jose's side since joining in 2002 from Petro Atletico. Gilberto is set to fully recover from his long-term injury, and he will be registered in Ahli's Champions League squad list for the upcoming group phase matches.
