Onyemaechi scores in Boavista 2-2 draw at Estrela da Amadora
Super Eagles defender, Bruno Onyemaechi scored his first goal of the season with a brilliant opener for Boavista in their 2-2 draw against Estrela da Amadora, in the Portuguese Primeira Liga matchday five fixture on Monday night.
Onyemaechi made his first attempt of the game in the 19th minute, with a header at the near post, off Rodrigo Abascal’s dangerous long throw, but failed to hit the target.
The 25-year-old got the breakthrough four minutes later, as he put a final touch to Abascal’s long throw with his left foot, to put his side in the lead, after Estrela defenders failed to clear the danger.
Estrela drew level 12 minutes later, with veteran Luis Nani sending a blazing shot into the back of the net, after beating his marker with a quick turn at the edge of the box.
Boavista restored their lead at the stroke of half-time, as Illija Vukovic poked home from close range, after Bruno Brigido spilled Salvador Agra’s free kick to his path, leaving the score 1-2 at the break.
Tomé Sousa, who became the youngest goalkeeper ever to play in the Portuguese topflight, at 17 years and nine months, made two crucial saves before the hour-mark to keep Boavista in the lead.
The young keeper charged forward to keep out Kikas’ shot with a block, after the striker was put through by Nani and later punched away Nilton Varela’s cross.
The home side drew level eight minutes after the hour-mark courtesy of Kikas, who blasted home from a tight angle, following Onyemaechi’s miscued clearance inside the penalty area.
In the 82nd minute, Tiago Santos cautioned Onyemaechi, following a foul on Kikas. The referee, initially branded the former Feirense man a red card, but rescinded his decision moments later, after a VAR review.
Boavista went all out in the sixth minute of stoppage time, in a bid to secure the winner, but Tiago Machado had his shot blocked by Caio Santana, before Brigido closed up the space to keep the scoreline 2-2.
Onyemaechi’s Black and Whites have now gone four straight games without a win, since their opening day victory at Casa Pia, and will be hosting record 38-time league champions, Benfica on Monday, 23 September 2024 at Estádio do Bessa Século XXI, by 19:15 GMT.