By Chris Wright [email protected]
A goal deep into stoppage time denied Olhanense a famous victory in Madeira last Sunday.
The starting line-up looked solid, but for the second week running, the Algarve side were to lose a player to injury within the first ten minutes. A clash of heads with Marítimo defender Igor Rossi resulted in centre-forward Mehmeti, scorer of the all-important goal in the 1-0 win over Paços de Ferreira, being carried off and hospitalised. Jakus Vojtus, the young Slovakian on loan from Inter Milan, took his place.
The visitors were on the back foot for much of the time until the half-hour mark approached.
A cross from Jander was handled in the box by Igor Rossi, and captain Rui Duarte duly despatched the resulting penalty.
Luís Filipe and Diakhité were dominant in defence, but it was veteran Portuguese international goalkeeper Ricardo who was man of the match. His command of the penalty area was outstanding, and on several occasions he pulled off world-class saves to keep Olhanense in front. Marítimo, who had beaten Benfica on the opening day of the season, came out after the break with all guns blazing. Derley and the impressive Heldon went close, but Olhanense maintained their shape and always looked dangerous on the counter-attack.
With ten minutes to go, Diego Gonçalves broke clear but was upended by Briguel, and the islanders were down to ten men.
In the third of the five minutes of added-on time, the home side snatched a point when substitute Fidélis found the back of the net.
After three games, Olhanense are in mid-table alongside Benfica, Nacional and Marítimo.
With a full programme of World Cup qualifiers, there are no league games this weekend. Olhanense return to action against league leaders Sporting Lisbon at the Algarve Stadium, Faro, next weekend.
|| In and out
Olhanense confirmed three new signings on the final day of the transfer window. Eighteen-year-old Brazilian midfielder Murillo and the Italian striker Dionisi have been recruited from Livorno (Italy). Murillo has signed a four-year deal whilst Dionisi is on loan. Another striker to join the Olhão-based club is Francis Koné from Al Mussanah in Oman. The Togolese international made 13 appearances last season in Oman, with nine goals and six assists. To make way for the new additions, Cajú, David Silva and Yontcha have had their contracts terminated by mutual agreement. In addition, goalkeeper Leandro Turossi will once again represent Moncarapachense, on loan, as happened last season.
