Defeat in the second round of the Taça de Portugal means that SC Olhanense will not be able to replicate their fantastic achievement of 75 years ago. Back in 1945, they were the first team from the Algarve to appear in a Portugal Cup final, going down to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Sporting Lisbon.
Olhanense made the long journey to Benfica Castelo Branco where goals from Hassan and João Vasco gave them a 2-0 interval lead. It was a different story in the second half as the home side lay siege to the Olhanense goal and scored three goals in the final 20 minutes including a strike by former Olhanense favourite Stevy Okitokandjo.
Farense and Louletano Cup success
Only two teams from the Algarve – Farense and Louletano – will be in the hat for the Portugal Cup 3rd round draw when Primeira Liga clubs join the fray. Segunda Liga SC Farense faced a tricky visit to UD Santarém but triumphed 2-1 thanks to goals from Fabrício Simões (penalty) and Fábio Nunes. Louletano drew 1-1 against Ginásio Figueirense but went on to win the penalty shoot-out 4-2. Local league minnows Moncarapachense lost to a last-minute extra-time goal at home to Sertanense whilst Esperança de Lagos lost 1-3 at home to Pevidém SC (Braga district) with all four goals coming in the final 20 minutes.
