Olhanense knew that victory against Mineiro Aljustrelense would take them back to the top of the Campeonato de Portugal Division D as leaders Real SC could only draw at Loures in an early kick-off.
Manager Bruno Ribeiro rested key players Leleco and keeper Rodrigo Moura whilst Carlitos and Joshua were missing through injury. To say Olhanense dominated the game would be an understatement but, after fine build-up play, the final ball was sadly wanting.
Ten minutes before the interval, João Vasco and Hassan had efforts cleared off the line with Aljustrelense keeper Fábio Reis well beaten. But it was Fábio Reis who denied Olhanense an opening goal just before the break when João Vasco was clattered in the box and a penalty awarded. Up stepped the league’s top scorer Hassan, but Fábio Reis saved spectacularly to his right.
The second period saw the visitors maintaining their 5-4-1 formation with Leleco joining the fray in the hope of breaking the deadlock. Sapara, who was having a nightmare of a game, was replaced by Djamanca with 15 minutes remaining, which proved to be an inspired move.
Three minutes after coming on, the Guinea-Bissau-born winger got behind the visitors’ defence and pulled the ball back for Hassan to slot home.
Two minutes from time, Hassan got his and Olhanense’s second goal after a goalmouth scramble.
Olhanense now travel to Queluz on Saturday for a top-of-table clash with Real SC. The game kicks-off at 7.45pm and is being shown live on Canal 11 TV.
By CHRIS WRIGHT
