A five-goal blitz by SC Olhanense took them to the top of the Campeonato de Portugal Division D as the two teams above them – Louletano and Alverca – dropped points. The unfortunate visitors to the José Arcanjo Stadium were relegation threatened Lusitano GC de Évora.
The home side were on the front foot from the off and on 14 minutes Sunday Akoh was on hand to head home Leleco’s corner for his first goal of the season. Seven minutes later, and a flowing move down the left, resulted in Sapara slotting home the best goal of the game as he gave Lusitano keeper Michael Oliveira no chance with a rocket of a shot from the edge of the box.
Within five minutes, the visitors were back in the match as hesitation in the Olhanense defence allowed David Silva to nip in and make it 2-1. Minutes later and Olhanense restored their two-goal cushion when Caleb netted from close range. The second half was five minutes old when skipper Leleco fired home a free-kick and, in the 70th minute, Hassan outran the Lusitano defence before scoring number five.
League leaders Alverca drew 1-1 at Loures with both sides having a player sent off midway through the second half. There was also a battle royale in Armação De Pêra where Armacenenses, after three consecutive home defeats, beat previously undefeated Louletano 3-1.
Referee Ricardo Baixinho showed 13 yellow cards and sent-off three players: Siriki Camará (Armacenenses); Carlos Filho and Edmilson Mendes (Louletano). The occasional moments of football resulted in João Silva (30’), Mário Duarte (45’ penalty) and Ruy Jimenez (90’) scoring for the home side whilst Erico Castro (39’) replied for the Loulé team.
CUP ACTION
On Saturday, the three Algarve teams remaining In the Taça de Portugal (Portugal Cup) face difficult ties in the third round. Louletano are at home to Segunda Liga outfit Paços de Ferreira at the Algarve Stadium at 3pm. SC Farense entertain Primeira Liga CD Aves at the Estádio São Luís (behind Faro Hospital), kick-off 5pm, while topflight SC Portimonense face a difficult trip to Segunda Liga Académica Coimbra.
By CHRIS WRIGHT
