After four consecutive defeats, Segunda Liga basement team SC Olhanense look to be odds-on favourites for relegation. With 20 games remaining, the former Primeira Liga team need at least seven wins to have a realistic chance of survival. Having won only three games in the first-half of the season, this would appear to be a tall order.
Away at Académica the team performed well without showing any real cutting edge as Redolfi, Salim Cissé and Doudou wasted good goal scoring opportunities. With both first-choice keepers having left the club, it was young Léo (pictured) who did well to keep the home side at bay until the half-hour mark when Ghanaian Ernest Ohemeng’s long range shot arrowed into the back of the net. Académica made it 2-0 in the 89th minute when great work by Nii Plange saw him control the ball and swivel to volley the ball past the helpless Léo.
Another blow for Olhanense is that central defender Alex Redolfi, currently on loan from Italian outfit Atalanta, may return to his native country where several clubs are interested in acquiring his services.
The Olhanense squad has been further depleted as Aldair Baldé competes in the Africa Cup of Nations. Aldair made his debut for Guinea-Bissau as a late substitute in the 1-1 draw with host nation Gabon.
On Sunday, Olhanense entertain Famalicão at the José Arcanjo Stadium, Olhão – kick-off 3pm.
SC Farense looking good
Olhanense could be swapping places with SC Farense who are leading the way in Group H of the Campeonato de Portugal Prio following their 1-1 draw with third-placed Lusitano VRSA. Farense are a point ahead of Louletano and, on current form, both teams should qualify for the regional rounds starting in February.
