by CHRIS WRIGHT
The celebrations began in Olhão shortly before 7pm on Sunday evening when news came through that SC Olhanense had won 1-0 at Gondomar to clinch not only promotion but also the Liga Vitalis Division 2 championship crown.
Several thousand fans had wanted to see the game but with a small stadium and limited ticket availability it was only those lucky enough to get the priceless tickets who made the long journey north to Porto.
Some 500 supporters had left Olhão in the early hours. With their multitude of scarves, flags, banners and musical instruments they made a colourful and noisy procession as they made their way to the ground.
The game started with both teams needing the points but for different reasons. Defeat for Gondomar would almost certainly mean relegation and a return to lower league football.
The league leaders started with Edson coming in for the suspended Bruno Mestre, and Guga made a rare start in midfield. Olhanense were the more positive side in the first half but neither looked like scoring. The busiest man on the pitch was referee Bruno Paixão, who booked four players for petty infringements and did not appear to realise the importance and emotion associated with the occasion.
In the second period Messi replaced Edson for Olhanense but following two cautions midway through the half he received his marching orders. With the ever increasing cacophony, the visitors continued to probe a resolute Gondomar defence in which centre back Gora Tall stood head and shoulders above his colleagues but in the 70th minute his clumsy challenge on Toy resulted in a second yellow card and an early shower.
The visitors surged forward yet again and five minutes later a left wing cross, flicked on by Djalmir, saw Toy rise above the home defence to score the decisive goal. The Olhanense fans were in a state of euphoria and cheering their heroes every time they touched the ball. With only minutes remaining, top goal scorer Djalmir stumbled in the penalty area and to everyone’s dismay the referee produced yet another yellow card and he was off.
Mayhem ensued and Guga, along with manager Jorge Costa, were also sent-off. A sad ending to what had been a vibrant and exciting game. Whilst players have a major responsibility for their actions so should the officials who in this instance fell well short of the required standard.
However, nothing could dampen the celebrations that followed and Francisco Leal, Olhão Câmara President, and Isidoro Sousa, President of Sporting Clube Olhanense, joined the players on the pitch as they received a rapturous reception from their fans. Even if Olhanense lose their last match and Santa Clara win and draw level on points, Olhanense cannot be overtaken as the result of the games between the two teams is taken
into consideration.
Both games were won by the Algarvean team 2-0 and 1-0 so for the first time in seven years the Algarve will have representation in the Premier League, Liga Sagres.
On returning to Olhão at 3am on Monday morning, the two supporters coaches arrived to a quiet and deserted Stadium yet within 15 minutes the whole area was alive with streams of fans emerging from every road and alley.
Car horns, drums and music welcomed the team coach which arrived five minutes later and the party began. Many of those present were not even born when Olhanense were last in the Premier League 34 years ago.
Some of the British expats, who now number more than 50, were featured on RTP national television news last week and their continued devotion to the club and its family of supporters must auger well for the future.
There is also the mouth watering prospect of welcoming FC Porto, Sporting and Benfica to Olhão next season whilst trips to the Estádio da Luz and Madeira will be high on the travel itinerary.
Come and join the party
On Sunday, Olhanense complete their league programme with a home game against Gil Vicente at the José Arcanjo Stadium (behind McDonalds on the EN125). Kick-off: 4pm but arrive early to avoid congestion.
Everyone is welcome and there is sure to be a carnival atmosphere with many of the supporters arriving in fancy dress.
For more information: christopher.wright@hotmail.co.uk or brian@moonlightservices.eu Tel. 916 504903 or 913 595 868.
