By CHRIS WRIGHT
Olhanense went in to their game with lowly Marítimo knowing that a win would move them up to third place in the Premier Liga.
Manager Daúto Faquirá started with Yontcha at centre-forward while Fernando Alexandre returned to midfield.
The game was only six minutes old when a nightmare mistake by Jardel and keeper Moretto allowed Kleber to nip in and put the Madeira side ahead.
The home side looked nervous as they endeavoured to break down a resolute Marítimo defence in which Robson was outstanding.
Midway through the first-half a bad challenge on Vinicius by Alonso resulted in an early bath for the Marítimo defender. The visitors were incensed with the decision and in the ensuing melee referee Bruno Paixão also booked goal scorer Kleber.
Fifteen minutes later Olhanense central defender Mauricio was booked for an aerial challenge with Roberge and once again the Marítimo players surrounded the referee demanding he be sent-off. Whatever happened to the FIFA ‘Respect’ campaign?
Shortly afterwards the referee called both captains together for a stern lecture.
At half-time Vinicius was replaced by the diminutive Brazilian Lulinha and he had an immediate impact on the game with his penetrating runs.
Marítimo were camped in their own half as wave-after-wave of attacks by Olhanense were repelled by the ten men, with keeper Boeck was in fine form.
Olhanense brought on forwards Djalmir and Toy to replace Mauricio and Fernando Alexandre.
A teasing cross by Jorge Gonçlaves bounced off the crossbar with Boeck well beaten.
It looked as if the Madeira side, who earlier in the season had defeated Sporting Fingal (Ireland) and Bangor City (Wales) in the UEFA Europa Cup, were going to hang for only their second win of the campaign.
But with ten minutes to go Jorge Gonçlaves sent over yet another cross but this time it was Yontcha who rose above the static defence to head home the equaliser.
Despite pressing hard Olhanense could not find a winning goal. There was still more drama to come in stoppage time as Marítimo were reduced to nine men when Diawara picked up his second yellow card.
This 1-1 draw keeps Olhanense in the top six but they will need to improve as they take on bottom club Naval, away, on Sunday. Mauricio will miss the game having amassed five bookings.
On Wednesday, November 10, the 2nd Leg of the League Cup tie takes place at the José Arcanjo Stadium, Olhão; kick-off 4.00pm.
Meanwhile, Sunday, November 14 – BEIRA-MAR kick-off 4.00pm.
