The Faro-based side beat Penafiel in the first stage of the Allianz League Cup. After a tight 0-0 draw, the home side won 5-4 in the penalty shoot-out.
Manager Rui Duarte was without new signings Daniel Fernandes, Perisic, Markovic, Teles and Mayambela whose international clearance failed to materialise in time to play. The Algarve side had only five players on the bench and no substitute goalkeeper.
The experienced Jorge Ribeiro, who made nine appearances for the national side, was the first to threaten the Penafiel goal when his free-kick flashed just past the upright on the eleventh minute mark. The visitors keeper Ivo Gonçalves was called into action as an André Vieira shot (28‘) and another free-kick by Jorge Ribeiro (31‘) were goal bound.
In the heat cauldron of the Estádio de São Luís the pace slackened in the second-half as both teams appeared to be happy to settle for penalties.
SC Farense will now face Estoril Praia, relegated from the Primeira Liga in May, in the second phase on Sunday at the Estádio de São Luís (behind Faro Hospital). Kick-off at 4.00pm.
C.W.
Photo: Lto R: Ricardo Reis & Arlesio Coelho (assistant coaches) and manager Rui Duarte
