ALLIANZ LEAGUE CUP: Portimonense 3-1 Estrela Amadora
Moreirense 1-1 (3-4) Farense
The 2023/24 season got underway last weekend with the first official matches being played in the context of the Allianz Portuguese League Cup opening knock-out round.
Portimonense took on newly-promoted and now fellow top division side Estrela Amadora at their Municipal Stadium on Sunday night and came away with a convincing win.
Rildo, on loan from Santa Clara, opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the sixth minute before Ronaldo equalised for the visitors not long after the break. Two new signings then combined to put the Algarveans back in front, ex-Fulham forward Jasper hitting the post with the Ecuadorian striker Ronie Carrillo easily converting the rebound. Another penalty, this time taken by Carlinhos, established the final score line in the 82nd minute.
Earlier that afternoon, Farense prevailed at last season’s second division champions Moreirense – both clubs were promoted and are now in the top division.
For a long time, a 21st-minute Rui Costa strike looked to have been enough to swing the tie for the visitors, but André Luis managed to find an equaliser with seconds remaining on the clock to force a penalty shoot-out: Rafael Barbosa’s final and successful kick then decided the matter 4-3 in Farense’s favour.
In the next round, the club from the Algarve’s capital will play second tier Oliveirense at their São Luís stadium this Saturday at 6pm while Portimonense travel to also second tier Leixões on Sunday for an 11am kick-off.
In other news, Farense have added proven striker Bruno Duarte to their front line. The 27-year-old Brazilian scored 23 goals in 98 games for Vitoria Guimarães before spending last season with Damac in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Portimonense are in negotiations with Angolan champions Petro de Luanda with a view of acquiring the services of 22-year-old winger Gilberto who had 13 goals and five assists to his name last season. On his way out of the Municipal Stadium is Sérgio Conceição, probably to Moreirense.
By Skip Bandele
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Skip Bandele escaped to the Algarve almost 25 years ago and has been with the Algarve Resident since 2003. His writing reflects views and opinions formed while living in Africa, Germany and England as well as Portugal.
