Ninety minutes of regular play were not enough to produce a goal during Portimonense’s most recent outing against Sporting Covilhã, but five minutes of subsequent injury time did result in a strike at either end.
A well-balanced game, which saw Ricardo Pessoa and Wakaso go close for the Algarveans while the hosts had a justified penalty appeal – following an Ivo Nicolau hand ball in the area turned down by referee Hugo Miguel – looked likely to end in a stalemate until Samuel found the back of the net three minutes into time added on.
However, home fan celebrations were cut short as Covilhã defender Joel’s dismissal galvanised manager Lázaro Oliveira’s men into a final effort which was rewarded by a successful Fernandinho free-kick right at the death to level the scores.
The 1-1 draw allowed leaders Moreirense and Penafiel, both easy winners on Sunday, to put nine and five points respectively between themselves and Portimonense with only five games remaining. Realistically, the Algarveans must now focus on keeping closest pursuers Aves, one point behind, at bay in order to secure the end-of-season third promotion play-off spot.
The opportunity for three second division teams to join the elite has arisen due to the re-instatement of Boavista FC, prompting the Portuguese FA to enlarge the Superliga from 16 to 18 clubs.
In consequence, only one team – currently Olhanense – will be relegated with the second-last, currently Belenenses, taking on the third-placed second division club over two legs in May for the right to take up the remaining vacancy.
Portimonense will next host Tondela at their municipal stadium this Sunday with the kick-off scheduled for 4pm. Entrance is free although fans are expected to contribute to the city’s food bank.
By SKIP BANDELE
