Paulo Sérgio, scorer of the Olhanense goal
Olhanense suffered their 15th defeat of the season against Académica, in the university city of Coimbra, after the home side were awarded two contentious penalties.
Académica, managed by former Olhanense boss Sérgio Conceição, fielded three players – Fernando Alexandre, Ivanildo and Salvador Agra – who had previously featured for the south coast side. Although ‘Os Estudantes’ controlled the first-half, they failed to take advantage of their superiority until 10 minutes before the break.
Pelé was adjudged to have fouled Diogo Valente inside the box although it looked as if the infringement was outside the area. Marcos Paulo slotted home the spot-kick.
The second period saw Olhanense on the ascendancy and 10 minutes after the break Paulo Sérgio levelled the scores.
Fernando Alexandre was caught in possession by Obodo who fed the ball to the lively winger who made no mistake with his shot. It was now all to play for but once again a penalty – there have been four awarded against Olhanense in their last two away games – was to decide the issue. Diakhite was the miscreant on this occasion and Marcos Paulo made it two out of two.
The 2-1 defeat leaves Olhanense bottom of the table on goal difference from Belenenses and it looks as if these two teams will be battling to avoid the one automatic relegation place.
This Saturday Olhanense are at home to SC Braga kick-off 6pm. This is a must win game for the Algarve side as the following three games are against Rio Ave and Benfica (both away) before FC Porto visit Olhão in early May.
By CHRIS WRIGHT
Relegation now a real possibility
