By CHRIS WRIGHT sport@algarveresident.com
Olhanense were recently involved in a scintillating 4-4 draw at SC Braga. So the fans were looking forward to more of the same as the team returned to the José Arcanjo Stadium, Olhão, after an absence of two-and-half months.
The renovated pitch looked good, the sun was shining and a stork even decided to make a flypast as the players took to the field.
Newly promoted Moreirense were the opposition. Manager Sérgio Conceição recalled keeper Ricardo in place of Bracali and Ivanildo, the two goal hero against Braga, was missing through injury.
In a very mediocre first-half, the visitors took the lead 10 minutes before the break when Pablo Olivera gave Ricardo no chance from ten metres out. Five minutes later and Moreirense’s Anilton Junior was adjudged to have handled in the box.
Captain Rui Duarte, once again leading by example, made no mistake with the resulting penalty. In the second period Moreirense regained the lead when goal scorer Pablo Olivera turned provider to set up the dangerous Ghilas for his fifth goal in seven games. At 2-1 Wagner could have put the result beyond doubt but his shot across goal hit the post and rebounded to safety.
With time running out and Moreirense packing their defence, it looked as if the home side might never score. But when Diego Gaucho fouled Targino in the penalty area, it was Rui Duarte who calmly stepped up to score his second penalty of the game and thus earn the home side a valuable if undeserved point.
|| Portugal Cup
Olhanense have been drawn away to Paços de Ferreira in the fourth round on the weekend of November 17/18. The two teams meet in a Premier Liga game on Sunday in northern Portugal known as the furniture capital of the country. Non-league SC Farense have a home tie against Premier Liga bottom club Beira-Mar. Farense, currently second in their league, must fancy their chances of progressing to the next round. Moreirense, who knocked out Sporting Lisbon in the third round, have another plum tie as they entertain Benfica. FC Porto has a tricky trip to Madeira to take on Nacional.
