By SKIP BANDELE
Portimonenese secured their first Liga Zon Sagres point of the season, leaving the two relegation places behind in the process.
Easily the best player on the pitch, Ivanildo, capped a dominant first half for the visitors at Paços de Ferreira with a powerful shot from just inside the area to put the Algarveans ahead just before the interval.
A Jorginho equaliser three minutes into the second playing period proved to be only a temporary setback as Portimonense’s continued superiority, accentuated by quick passing movements and incisive counter attacking, led to Andre Pinto putting the guests back in front in the 55th.
It then fell to Candeias to put the match beyond his former club Paços de Ferreira’s reach, but the 22-year-old blasted the ball high over the bar with only the keeper to beat.
That miss was to be costly as substitute Pizzi bundled the ball into the Portimão net establishing the final 2-2 scoreline which somewhat flattered the home side.
Manager Litos declared himself satisfied with the result after the game and is pleased with the progress the team is making. The scorers apart, South African striker Kadi always looked menacing, Mozambique international Jumisse pacy and Aragoney solid playing just in front of the defence.
This fortnight’s international break should give Portimão the chance to integrate latest reinforcements- experienced defender Pedro Silva has arrived from Sporting Lisbon and is joined by 21-year-old Colombian defensive midfielder Carlos Valencia.
The team, who will have to make do without injured Chinese striker Dong for the time being, is getting some valuable practice at this Saturday’s Silves tournament ,also involving Olhão, before returning to Superliga action against Rio Ave in the Stadium of the Algarve (Sunday, 4pm) next weekend.
That match will be followed by the first eagerly awaited Algarve derby at Olhanense on Sunday, September 19.
