In a bizarre development, this season the Portugal Football Association (FPF) has included 14 of the 59 teams that lost their Portugal Cup first round games in the second round draw.
The FPF spokesperson said it was to “allow more teams to participate in the competition and increase the number of games in the Portugal Cup”. In addition, “the competition will reach more places in Portugal, becoming therefore more relevant”.
The largest defeat in the first round was by Amiense (Santarém region) but they were lucky to be drawn out of the hat to get another chance and will entertain SC Portimonense in the second round.
Local non-league side Almancilense lost 1-0 at home to Moura but get a second chance and play host to SC Olhanense. Louletano and Lagoa, who won their first round games, entertain 2nd Division sides Freamunde and Penafiel respectively.
SC Farense travel to Coimbra where they will play Oliveira do Hospital and Lusitano VRSA will do battle with Cova da Piedade in Setúbal. Winning teams in round two will receive €3,000, with the eventual winners, the equivalent of the English FA Cup, picking up a cheque for €300,000. All second round games will be played over the weekend of September 26-27.
By CHRIS WRIGHT
