Of the five Algarve clubs in the second round of the Taça de Portugal (Portugal Cup) only Olhanense progressed to the next round with a win over non-league Quarteirense. A potential banana skin was avoided as the second division side had to battle for victory without keeper Tiago Maia, top-scorer Semedo, midfielder Rodrigo and central defender Ubay Luzardo, rested by manager António Conceição in readiness for the local derby with SC Farense on Wednesday.
Buval, Bazzoffia and Femi Balogun started upfront and 6’5” keeper Dida Pompeu made his debut. Buval opened his account for the season when he netted after half-an-hour and that remained the only goal until substitute Mastriani – on the pitch for just three minutes – headed home Femi’s cross in the 93rd minute to give the Olhão side a 2-0 win.
Silves, the lowest ranked of the Algarve teams, lost narrowly by the only goal of the game at Cova da Piedade (Almada, Lisbon). Louletano travelled to the far north to take on in-form second division Chaves, who ran out comfortable 3-1 winners.
SC Farense failed to overcome fellow second division rivals Oriental in Lisbon. 2-2 after 90 minutes, it was Oriental who went through when Daniel Almeida converted an extra-time penalty. The third round draw, which includes the big clubs such as Benfica, Sporting, Porto and Braga, was being made as we went to press.
By CHRIS WRIGHT
Photo: Olhanense players acknowledge their fans after the 2-0 cup win
