Sunday morning will witness one of the biggest games in Moncarapachense’s history when they entertain local rivals Olhanense at the Estádio Dr. António João Eusébio, kick-off 11am.
Following a 2-0 home win against Pêro Pinheiro, the Moncarapacho team are in second place with two games to go as promotion to Liga 3 beckons.
Ebanilson Viegas found the net after 15 minutes and an own goal by Pêro Pinheiro’s Fábio Jesus 10 minutes from time secured all three points.
Bottom side Olhanense had travelled to the Azores in the hope of reclaiming some of their tarnished reputation, but this was not to be as João Silva was sent-off on the stroke of half-time against top team GD Fontinhas; the fifth Olhanense player to receive a red card in eight games!
The 10-men held out until stoppage time when they conceded a penalty in the 97th minute and, to rub salt into the wound, former Olhanense player Patrick Igwe added a second two minutes later.
In the promotion push, Fontinhas lead the way with 17 points; Moncarapachense have 15 and Os Belenenses are third on 13 points with two games to play.
If Os Belenenses win at Pêro Pinheiro on Sunday and Moncarapachense overcome Olhanense, who languish in bottom place on three points, then Moncarapachense’s last game of the season in Lisbon on May 29 against Os Belenenses could determine who will step up to Liga 3.
Former Olhanense players reach the topflight
When Olhanense gained promotion to the Primeira Liga in 2009, it was a certain André Filipe Alves Monteiro – known to the football world as Ukra – who bamboozled opposition defences. He made 67 appearances for the Olhão team before being signed by FC Porto.
Ukra has subsequently had spells at Braga and Santa Clara before joining Rio Ave this season and helping them to the Segunda Liga title and promotion to the Primeira Liga. Also promoted are runners-up Casa Pia (Lisbon) who featured three former Olhanense players Leonardo Lelo, Vasco Fernandes and Zach Muscat.
Olhão-born Leonardo Lelo came up through the youth ranks and made 71 appearances for Olhanense before signing for Portimonense at the start of last season and then moving on to Casa Pia at the start of this season.
By CHRIS WRIGHT
