Portimonense finally returned to winning ways under caretaker manager José Augusto with a clear-cut 4-0 success over AC Viseu last Sunday afternoon.
Wakaso had already put the Algarveans ahead just after the half-hour when referee João Capela brandished a straight red card at visitors’ captain Cláudio for a foul on Kanazaki inside the Portimonense area.
Regular spot kick taker Ricardo Pessoa then converted the resulting penalty to send his team into the break two goals to the good.
Portimonense continued to dominate against 10 men during the second half, Zambujo and Mika finding the back of the net to wrap up an easy victory.
Unfortunately closest promotion rivals Aves clung on to the only play-off spot with a 1-0 home win over Sporting Covilhã while this Sunday’s opponents, Chaves, who remain one point behind Portimonense, pulled off an unlikely 2-1 away upset over promotion co-favourites Penafiel, despite being reduced to nine players by the end of that game.
Portimonense must decide the weekend clash between the two sides in their favour if they are to retain any hope of promotion going into the subsequent last match of the season against Oliveirense. At the same time, Aves will have to drop points either at Tondela this Sunday or, less likely, at home against Viseu thereafter.
In any event, looking at the tail end of the Superliga table and the remaining fixtures affecting the relegation battle there, it seems increasingly likely that Algarve football fans can look forward to the presence of three regional clubs next season – Portimonense, Farense and Olhanense – should José Augusto’s men fail in their bid for top class football.
Skip Bandele
