The hunt for a first win continues for Desportivo da Huila. Coached by Portugal’s Paulo Torres, the team found themselves in familiar territory. They battled to another draw in the Angolan football championship, known as the Girabola. Their latest match on Sunday, at home against Sagrada Esperança, ended in a 1-1 stalemate. This result marks their second consecutive tie to kick off the new season.
The action truly picked up in the second half. Sagrada Esperança broke the deadlock after 53 minutes. Abdoulaye Samassa put the visitors ahead. Their side is notably led by a coach who was a U-20 World Champion in 1991. However, Desportivo da Huila didn’t let the lead stand for long. Just six minutes later, Melono Dala found the back of the net, leveling the score. This quick response prevented a loss but still left them without a victory.
Elsewhere on Sunday, there was more drama across the league. Desportivo da Lunda Sul celebrated a narrow 1-0 home win against São Salvador do Zaire. Crespo was the hero, scoring the decisive goal late in the game, in the 83rd minute. Meanwhile, Luanda City and Interclube also split the points in a 1-1 draw. Jonathan opened the scoring for Luanda City after 21 minutes. Yet, Interclube found a way back, with Anderson scoring an equalizer in the 90th minute.
Round Two Results
Let’s catch up on all the results from the second round of Girabola fixtures.
Wednesday, September 24:
- Petro de Luanda 2 – 1 Bravos do Maquis
- 1.º de Maio de Benguela 0 – 1 Wiliete de Benguela
Saturday, September 27:
- Redondo FC 0 – 1 Recreativo do Libolo
Sunday, September 28:
- Desportivo da Huila 1 – 1 Sagrada Esperança
- Desportivo da Lunda Sul 1 – 0 São Salvador do Zaire
- Luanda City 1 – 1 Interclube
Matches Yet to Be Played:
- Guelson FC vs. 1.º de Agosto
- Kabuscorp do Palanca vs. Académica do Lobito
Current League Standings
After two rounds of play, Recreativo do Libolo sits comfortably at the top of the table.
- Recreativo do Libolo, 6 points
- Bravos do Maquis, 3 points
- Kabuscorp do Palanca, 3 points
- Petro de Luanda, 3 points
- Wiliete de Benguela, 3 points
- Desportivo da Lunda Sul, 3 points
- Desportivo da Huila, 2 points
- São Salvador do Zaire, 1 point
- Redondo FC, 1 point
- Académica do Lobito, 1 point
- Interclube, 1 point
- Sagrada Esperança, 1 point
- Luanda City, 1 point
- 1.º de Agosto, 0 points
- Guelson FC, 0 points
- 1.º de Maio de Benguela, 0 points