The Algarve’s two top teams faced off under heavy rainfall on Sunday (January 4) for a tightly contested match that ended in a 1-0 away victory for Portimonense over Farense at the São Luís Stadium in Faro.
After a scoreless first half, a well-placed left-foot shot from Tiago Mamede gave the visitors the lead at the 58th minute, delighting the dozens of Portimonense fans who travelled nearly 70kms to support their team despite the harsh weather conditions.
Farense were unable to convert their scoring opportunities despite dominating much of the match, with Portimonense goalkeeper Sébastien Cibois thwarting every attempt that came his way. But even when Cibois seemed beaten, Farense were unable to level the scoreboard. The clearest example came with just 10 minutes to go, when André Candeias failed to convert what seemed to be an open goal tap-in, much to the dismay of local fans.
For Portimonense, it was the second straight victory after an eight-match winless streak which had seen the team drop to last place. Now, Tiago Fernandes’ men sit at 16th place (a play-off relegation spot), with 18 points.
Farense are placed slightly higher at 11th, with 20 points but one more match played. The team, now led by Pedro Neto after former coach Jorge Silas was sacked, have not won or scored a goal for five matches (four for the league and one for the cup).
Both Algarve teams play in Liga Portugal 2 Meu Super, Portugal’s second-tier football league.
