In his press conference, the newly-appointed Olhanense coach Bruno Saraiva stated that the team would probably need to win 10 of their remaining 17 games if they hoped to avoid relegation.
The 42-year-old former Olhanense player certainly got off to a great start with a 2-1 away win at AD Fafe. Paulão gave the visitors the lead midway through the first-half when he headed home H’Maidat’s well struck free-kick.
Minutes later, Paulão was stretchered off and taken to hospital following a bad collision which resulted in a stoppage of some six minutes while first-aid was administered. The experienced captain was replaced by Gerevini as the defence reorganised their forces.
Ten minutes before the interval, AD Fafe came close to equalising but Landinho failed to convert Allan’s intelligent through ball. Ten minutes after the break, the home side were reduced to 10 men when Andre picked up a second yellow card.
Olhanense proceeded to control the game and doubled their advantage in the final minute of normal time when Jorman Aguilar bagged his sixth goal of the season.
Deep into stoppage time, AD Fafe pulled a goal back through substitute Sarkic giving Olhanense a nervous couple of minutes before the referee blew the final whistle.
Olhanense will have been hoping for a similar result on Wednesday when União da Madeira were the visitors to Olhão.
On Monday, the team make the long journey north to play V. Guimarães B. The next home game at the José Arcanjo Stadium, Olhão is on Sunday, February 26 at 3pm when Varzim provide the opposition.
By CHRIS WRIGHT
