Following their victory in the last round of the Portugal Cup, SC Olhanense were hoping for a top team in the third round and they certainly got their wish.
Cup holders and Primeira Liga champions Benfica will be heading for the Algarve next weekend as Olhanense pull out all the stops to get the José Arcanjo Stadium in shape for this David versus Goliath clash.
SC Farense are also at home as another Primeira Liga team, Estoril Praia, will be heading south.
Last weekend Olhanense took over at the top of the Campeonato de Portugal (Division E) with a scrappy single goal victory over Operário (Azores).
Ivo Nicolau was missing from the starting line-up due to injury, Pedro Caeiro took his place, and Januário was on the bench to give Sporting loanee Jefferson Encada his first start this campaign.
Olhanense should have been a goal up early on but Hassan failed to make the most of a great opportunity. All level at the break, manager Bruno Saraiva threw on Januário who had an immediate impact as he supplied the pass for Jefferson Encada to slot home the winning goal, his third of the season.
With Casa Pia being held 0-0 at home by Armacenenses, Olhanense moved two points clear of the Lisbon club.
SC Farense won 2-0 at Estrela Vendas Novas thanks to second-half goals from Pedro Kadri and a Jorge Ribeiro penalty which moved the Faro team into second place a point behind Olhanense.
Almancilense won 2-1 at Moncarapachense whilst Louletano chalked up their second away win with a 2-1 victory at Moura AC. Lusitano VRSA, struggling at the foot of the table, lost 3-2 at home to Oriental (Lisbon).
It has been confirmed that the Portugal Cup third round tie between SC Olhanense and cup holders Benfica will take place at the José Arcanjo Stadium, Olhão on Saturday, October 14, kick-off 7pm.
Difficult trip to Lisbon
League leaders Olhanense travel to the capital on Sunday to take on undefeated Oriental, knowing that SC Farense are breathing down their neck. Farense are at home to Azores outfit SC Ideal at the São Luís Stadium on Sunday, kick-off 11am. Louletano face Moncapachense in a local derby at the Municipal Stadium, Loulé at 3pm.
By CHRIS WRIGHT
Photo: Olhanense (red/black) close down an Operário attack. The Olhão team have now kept three clean sheets in the league at home
