Boavista halted a six-game winless run in the Primeira Liga when on Sunday, they toiled grinding out a slim 1-0 victory over Gil Vicente.
Yusupha Njie’s power header in the 31st minute from a corner kick proved to be the decider, though both goalkeepers were in impressive forms in the game.
The Boavista goalie, Rafael Bracali, in particular had to be at his best as his team played with a man less for the final fourteen minutes of regular time and six extra minutes for stoppages.
A goal line save – his fifth in the game – in stoppage time crowned the 41 year-old’s heroics on the night.
However, it wasn’t just Bracali who had to step up his game, the versatile Bruno Onyemaechi also had to bear the load at the back after the sending off of Reggie Cannon following a second yellow card.
Onyemaechi initially deployed as a LB, had to also provide cover as a LCB when his side were reduced to 10 men.
The 23 year-old had the third most touches in the game (71) only behind teammate Pedro Malheiro and Gil Vicente’s Carraca both had 76 each.
He also completed 55 passes, 1 dribble, 2 tackles, 1 interception, 4 clearances, 3 blocks and won an aerial duel. The LB also added an attempt on goal, from range.
Meanwhile, the win saw Boavista pick up maximum points in the league since September when they beat Sporting.
The side had gone six matches without a win and lost four games in the process.
As Panteras jump to 10th in the standings with the victory and are 8 points clear of the relegation zone, while Gil Vicente hold on to the relegation playoff place in 16th.
Next for Onyemaechi and his teammates is a trip to Braga where they battle the Landlords of Estadio Municipal de Braga, who are second on the table and are unbeaten in three games.
