Match report: Boavista 1-0 Academica
A Boavista player is still to score this season, but As Panteras recorded their first victory of the season on Sunday - courtesy of an own goal from Academica defender Richard Ofori.
In a scrappy game of few chances, Boavista pressed hard in the second half and were rewarded for their endeavours when left-back Anderson Correia's dangerous cross was turned into his own net by Ofori in the 54th minute.
Rather than raise their game, Academica ran out of ideas as the game wore on and Boavista, with centre-back Philipe Sampaio and goalkeeper Mika outstanding, held on to their advantage to leapfrog their visitors in the table.
Defensive pluses to please Petit
A big fat zero in their 'Goals For' column was perhaps coach Petit's biggest concern going into the game and sharpening Boavista's cutting edge will remain his priority after it.
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However, Boavista's victory suggests that they have the defensive tools to meet the challenge of top flight football - with Sampaio and Correia already looking like they will make names for themselves.
After six seasons out of the limelight, Boavista will certainly savour this win. With points on the board and a spring in their step, they will now look forward to resuming hostilities against their more-illustrious neighbours in next Sunday's Porto derby.
Boavista:
Mika, Dias, Santos, Sampaio, Correia, Tengarrinha, Carvalho, Brito (Cid), Ze Manuel (Ly), Beckeles, Pouga (Wei). Unused subs: Ba, Ervoes, Idris, Fary
Academica:
Cristiano, Silva, Nascimento, Santos, Ofori (Marinho), Obiorah (Ivanildo), Pedro, Paulo, Paulo, Piloto, Lopes, Magique (Schumacher). Unused subs: Oliveira, Jimmy, Nuno, Mineiro
Goals:
[1-0] Ofori (own goal), 54'
