The champions of Portugal got their league campaign underway with a disappointing result crumbling 2-3 away to Boavista in a bad tempered game that saw two red cards, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Benfica opened scoring in the 22nd minute through Angel Di Maria and the lead lasted till ten minutes after the half time break when Róbert Boženík drew the home side level. Five minutes after Benfica had a player sent off.
With 15 minutes left to play in the game, Rafa Silva restored the lead of the visitors and just when it looked like they were cruising to an away win to start their defence title, Bruno Lourenço struck from the spot on the dot of 90 minutes to bring scores to 2-2. He was sent off ten minutes later.
A draw was what both teams look destined to settle for before Boženík struck in the 13th minute of time added on made possible after a lengthy stoppage in play. It ended up as the winner but large credit will go to the duo of Chidozie Awaziem and Bruno Onyemaechi.
The duo who are linked with a departure from the club before the close of the transfer window put in a fantastic display with Awaziem in particularly showing why French Ligue 1 side Nantes are keen on signing him.
He impressed with his tackles, aerial duels and passes from the back. A performance that can easily pass as one of his best in the Portuguese top division. Onyemaechi on the other hand was a rock on the left side of defence with his constant foray down the flanks.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
