6 November 2006, by Marco Pereira

Late Kanu strike fires Maritimo up to third

Naval 0-1 Maritimo

Maritimo picked up their third consecutive win as a 70th-minute Kanu goal stole all three points at high-flying Naval. It was only Naval’s second loss of the season, strangely enough both coming at home.

Naval poured on the pressure early as Gilmar was unable to redirect an Orestes header in the 3rd minute. Ten minutes later China almost got on the scoresheet when his shot made its way through traffic and nearly found the net, but Maritimo goalkeeper Marcos made an instinctive save to keep the ball out.

Maritimo’s only response came late in the first half as Lipatin missed by inches from a Marcinho corner. The second half was less interesting than the first with no clear chances created and both teams committing a lot of errors with their passing, giving the ball away cheaply.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 70th minute when Kanu headed the ball inside the far post and into the net from a Filipe Oliveira cross, with Naval goalkeeper Taborda rooted to the spot.

Naval did not give up as they desperately tried to find the equaliser and get something from the match. Nei tested Marcos’ wits twice, but the goalkeeper got the better of Naval’s top goalscorer. Unfortunately time ran out for the home side, and Maritimo go back home after a mission well accomplished.

Rogerio Goncalves, Naval coach:

“My goalkeeper did not make one save. Maritimo, from their only opportunity, scored a goal. We always controlled the game and were not afraid to take risks. It was always us that fought for the victory, with Maritimo responding with quick counter attacks. We did not have luck in that final phase.”

“Maritimo’s goalkeeper made two fantastic saves. We lost, but my players had the same attitude they had in past victories. Naval are playing well, but today I think we did not have luck on our side.”

Ulisses Morais, Maritimo coach:

“We knew it was not going to be an easy game for us, but neither would it be for Naval. We ended up scoring the goal which transmitted confidence to obtain three points, in an intense battle.”

“We were champions in defence. I would like to dedicate this game to all my injured players. We have a fantastic group.”

Naval:
Taborda, Mario Sergio, Fernando, Gaucho (Cazarine, 75), China, Pedro Santos (Carlitos, 59), Orestes, Gilamr, Fajardo (Tiago Fraga, 58), Nei, Lito
Yellow Cards: Nei (35), Carlitos (84), Tiago Fraga (88)

Maritimo:
Marcos, Ze Gomes (Fahel, 75), Gregory, Milton do O, Evaldo, Wenio, Olberdam, Filipe Oliveira, Marcinho, Luis Olim (Kanu, 62), Lipatin (Moukouri, 69)
Yellow Cards: Ze Gomes (9), Marcos (78)

Goals:
[0-1] Kanu, 70