The Olhão-based team were ordered to play their second home game in the Campeonato de Portugal at a venue away from their traditional home, the José Arcanjo Stadium.
The Olhão Municipal Stadium with its astro-turf pitch was chosen for the visit of Real SC (Sintra) last Sunday and the large crowd were treated to a roller-coaster of a game with Olhanense maintaining their 100% record thanks to a penalty two minutes from time.
The ‘home’ side took the lead with their first meaningful attack after a quarter-of-an-hour when, following a flowing move down the left-wing, João Vasco hammered the ball past David Grilo in the Real goal.
The visitors went close to levelling the score five minutes before the interval when Daniel Almeida’s looping deflected shot rebounded off the crossbar before being scrambled to safety by the home defence.
Hassan replaced Guilherme at the interval and, three minutes later, nipped between two Real defenders to slot home and give Olhanense a two-goal cushion.
Olhanense were furious when referee Luís Reforço failed to rule-out Juan Costa’s goal in the 57th minute despite an obviously push on keeper Rodrigo Moura. Within 60 seconds, the visitors were level through Diogo David and, six minutes later, matters went from bad to worse as Rafael Tavares was shown a straight red for an off-the-ball incident.
Real pushed forward and looked the more likely to win but, with two minutes remaining, Ibraime Cassama blocked a goal bound shot. A red card was shown as Olhanense skipper Leleco calmly placed the ball on the spot before rifling home the winning goal.
Louletano DC travelled to Setúbal to play GD Fabril Barreiro and notched up their third consecutive 1-0 victory thanks to an Érico Castro strike seven minutes after the interval. After three games, Olhanense and Louletano have maximum points at the top of the league. On Saturday, September 14 – kick-off 4pm – the two teams go head-to-head at the Algarve Stadium.
Olhanense open day and meet the players
SC Olhanense will throw open their doors, for the first time this season, on Saturday, September 7 at 11am when supporters and members of the public are invited to watch the players train followed by photo opportunities and autographs. Orders can also be placed for both the home and away shirts and other club memorabilia can be purchased.
Cup action
On Sunday (September 8), the first round of the Taça de Portugal sees Olhanense welcome Armacenenses to the José Arcanjo Stadium, Olhão – kick-off 5pm. The two teams met recently in the league with Olhanense claiming the honours with a 2-1 home victory. Other ties involving local teams: Louletano DC – FC Ferreiras at the Algarve Stadium, Faro, whilst local league side Moncarapachense travel to Évora to face Juventude SC. Both games kick-off at 5pm.
By CHRIS WRIGHT
