Following the disgraceful racist chants by V. Guimarães fans at the Primeira Liga game against FC Porto the previous week, match officials wore ‘kick out racism’ T-shirts to lead the teams out. On a brighter note, there was a carnival atmosphere as groups of holidaying Bristol City and Stoke City fans were on hand to cheer on Olhanense.
Manager Bruno Ribeiro was without midfielder Caleb (suspended) together with central defender Vasco Coelho and winger Djamanca Varela (injured) for the visit of bottom club Sintra. On the plus side, captain Leleco returned after a two-match suspension.
It was virtually one-way traffic all game as Olhanense tried to break down a 10-man defence. The woodwork twice denied Olhanense before top scorer Hassan joined the fray 10 minutes after the interval. His electrifying turn of pace saw him twice bearing down on goal with only the keeper to beat, but wayward finishing saw the opportunities wasted.
The only goal of the game came 15 minutes from time when João Vasco’s shot cannoned off the post, only for Tiago Jogo to hit the rebound straight at Filipe Leão. The keeper’s parried save fell kindly at the feet of Leleco who made no mistake from three metres out.
Sintra tried to get back in the game but Joshua, at the heart of the Olhanense defence, was outstanding. To add to the visitors’ woes – their last league victory was way back in September – they had Hélder Martins sent-off in stoppage time and, two minutes later, manager Luís Silva was also shown a red card.
Olhanense remain two points below SC Real at the top of the Campeonato de Portugal Division D. On Sunday, Olhanense travel to Évora to play Lusitano GC de Évora.
By CHRIS WRIGHT
