Estoril survived a scare in the Taça de Portugal third round where they came from behind to earn a 3-2 victory in Amora. The 3 Liga club took the lead in the 14th minute when David Dinamite’s cross was converted by Pedro Vieira.
Nélson Veríssimo’s took advantage of Amora’s inability to clear their lines in the second half, João Carvalho and James Léa-Siliki scoring in the space of six minutes to turn the game around.
The result appeared assured when Erison extended Estoril’s lead in the 83rd minute before an action packed period of added time at Complexo Municipal de Atletismo Carla Sacramento.
Bernardo Vital was sent off before Tiago Duque bundled the ball home to set up a tense finish, but it was too late for the hosts as Estoril hung on to advance to the fourth round.
Amora hold their own
The opening stages made it clear that Estoril were not going to have it all their own way against Amora. The Liga 3 club were well organised with 20-year-old Elmando Gjini dominating in the heart of defence.
The hosts gave their supporters plenty cheers about in the 14th minute when they opened the scoring. Both wing-backs combined, David Dinamite’s cross finding Pedro Vieira who converted at the back post.
Amora created another chance when Diogo Martins’ dangerous ball evaded everyone including top scorer Paulo Marcelo.
Estoril thought they had equalized in the 30th minute when Bernardo Vital's saved shot fell perfectly for Erison Danilo who finished from close range, his celebrations cut short after a foul was spotted in the build up.
Amora finished the first half strong with Denis Rodríguez’s shot saved, Caleb firing over the bar before the captain burst clear and saw his shot deflected wide.
Estoril turn it around
Estoril looked like a different team in the second half with Nélson Veríssimo’s team talk clearly having an effect.
It took ten minutes for his side to regain parity after Amora failed to get the ball out of their 18-yard box. Rodrigo Martins went on a long run down the right wing, his cross seemingly coming to nothing before the ball fell on a plate for João Carvalho who nonchalantly lifted it over Luís Ribeiro.
Estoril were boxing Amora inside their own half and six minutes later they had taken the lead. Once again Amora failed to clear the ball, Tiago Santos driving to the byline and delivering a cross that James Léa-Siliki converted from close range.
Veríssimo made his first substitutions in the 68th minute when Mor Ndiaye and Dele Yusuf were replaced by Loreintz Rosier and Serginho. João Pereira introduced Califo Baldé for David Dinamite in the 75th minute before Jefferson Santos headed a corner wide.
It was a false dawn as Estoril scored again in the 83rd minute after a slick move down the left wing. Serginho released Tiago Araújo, his cross picking out Erison Danilo who steered the ball into the bottom corner.
Added time was interesting after Bernardo Vital was sent off and Amora got a goal back. Baldé’s free kick was spilled by Silva with Tiago Duque scoring to set up a tense finale, Estoril holding on to advance to the fourth round.
Amora join the club
Amora's current situation has many similarities with other Portuguese clubs limited by supporter size and budget. Their history is another familiar tale, a brief spell in the top flight followed by a roller coaster up and down the divisions.
Amorenses' high point came in 1980 when José Mourinho's father Félix guided the club to the Primeira Liga for the first time, an achievement that hasn't been replicated in over four decades. Amora's mature supporters will remember with fondness and nostalgia their three season stint with the big boys, a thrill they hope will be experienced again.
João Pereira has some quality players at his disposal including a number of talented youngsters led by Elmando Gjini, Diogo Ferreira and Jailson. It's very early days for the 30-year-old manager, his first task to get Amora promoted to the Segunda Liga.
Estoril survive a scare
Estoril were favourites to advance but it wasn't smooth sailing, especially in the first half with Amora up for the fight and organised in transition.
Two errors provided the Canarinhos with the chances they needed to overturn the deficit, Erison's third goal proving to be crucial after they were reduced to 10 men and pegged back in added time.
Nélson Veríssimo handed Pedro Silva, Lucas Áfrico, Tiago Araújo and Dele Yusuf their first starts of the season which explains their lack of fluidity in the first half. Their most dangerous weapon this season was unavailable, 21-year-old Tiago Gouveia out with a shoulder injury.
Overall it was a useful trip across the Tagus for Estoril, Veríssimo and his side with time to prepare for a tough run of fixtures, starting with a home match against Braga.
By Matthew Marshall at Complexo Municipal de Atletismo Carla Sacramento
Highlights
Amora 2-3 Estoril Praia ?⚽ Foi emoção até ao fim, mas os estorilistas conseguem o passaporte para a próxima fase da Prova Rainha! Revê os golos ?️? pic.twitter.com/CDTteKrruC
— Canal 11 (@Canal_11Oficial) October 14, 2022
