Manager Vasco Faísca was without the injured centre-forward João Vasco and Maltese international defender Muscat for the trip to Sintra. On the plus side, Sapara and Edu Pinheiro returned from injury and were on the subs bench. Olhanense opened brightly and took a deserved lead on eight minutes through Fábio. Hassan made it three goals in three games when he added a second midway through the first half.
Five minutes after the interval, in typical Olhanense style, the visitors allowed their opponents back into the game when indecision at the back allowed Diogo Lamas to reduce the arrears.
Five minutes later, Sintra’s Marcelino picked up a yellow card and, 10 minutes from time, a second yellow reduced the home side to 10 men. Adewale Sapara, who had replaced Fábio midway through the second half, made the game safe in stoppage time. It was the Nigerian’s fourth goal in three games and his first since returning from an injury picked up at the end of August.
Olhanense move up to third place in the Campeonato de Portugal (Division D) just a point behind joint leaders Alverca FC and Louletano. SC Olhanense entertain Lusitano Évora on Sunday at the José Arcanjo Stadium, Olhão (behind McDonald’s on the EN125). Kick-off 3pm with admission at €6. English language match day programmes are available in the café opposite the stadium entrance.
By CHRIS WRIGHT
