Reports from the Portuguese League(s) with the focus on African players.
In particular how representatives from Mali, Nigeria, Cape Verde, and the Ivory Coast featured in the Liga Portugal.
Liga Portugal.
1.Estrela Amadora 2 Vitoria Guimaraes 2.
If you squint you might think this was Fluminense v Corinthians by looking at the colours of the teams, and there were, as usual, a number of Brazilians on show.
But it was a local player - Nuno Santos - who began the scoring when he volleyed home from a corner routine to give Vitoria the lead.
However, it didn’t last long as Nilton Varela and Bucca combined to level the contests in the closing minute of the first period.
That flurry of action was the main feature of the half, most of which was dominated by defending.
While the second 45 saw mixed fortunes for the home teams’ tall defender, Malian Issiar Drame.
He was penalised for a tackle on Samu resulting in Tiago Silva putting the visitors ahead, again, from the spot.
But later he himself was brought down in the area, prior to a set play, giving Estrela a penalty.
Which was easily converted (past Cape Verdean Bruno Varela) by substitute forward Rodrigo Pinho making it 2-2.
That ended a lively contest, although both sides had half chances towards the finish.
Liga II
2. Torreense 1 Alverca 0.
After a typically tight, probing beginning this match sprung to life when Cape Verde defender N’Tamon Elie released Dani Bolt down the right flank and he crossed for the lively Vando Felix (Guinea Bissau) to convert.
Although the goal, midway through the first half, took a while to be confirmed it turned out to be the decider.
Alverca’s threats came mostly from wide man Brenner Lucas who did cause Stopira (Cape Verde) some problems but without resulting in a definite goal threat.
Stopira would eventually move to the centre when sub. Agbor (Cameroon) appeared at right back.
He looked solid enough as was N’Tamon Elie until he succumbed to injury.
While the visitors’ big central defender Varela (another from Cape Verde) fared less well, being replaced just after the hour mark.
In a tight contest the only goal stood out within long periods of probing, with the home side, once in front, backing off leaving Alverca often somewhat frustrated (especially Australian striker Anthony Carter)
Liga II
3. Mafra 2 Leiria 1.
Mafra is famous for its very impressive National Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but at the football ground the highlight was the performance of Nigerians' Friday Etim and Stanley Iheanacho.
Etim, a powerful presence, led the line while Iheanacho, firstly, confidently headed home the opener then combined with his countryman for no.2
That was just after half time and set the home side on their way to much needed points.
But they did have to survive a quick response from Leiria when Crystopher converted a delivery from the left.
The home side, with Ivorians Chriso and Beni Junior and Congo’s Passi in their lineup, generally looked in control until a penalty was awarded to their opponents.
However, substitute Singh struck the spot kick against the post and that was their chance gone.
Reports from Portugal - John Bethell
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