Estoril Praia off the mark with a 3-1 victory over AFS | OneFootball

In a match that pitted together two teams yet to win in 2025-26 on a sunny September afternoon in Estoril, it was the home side that came out on top, beating AFS 3-1 thanks to goals from Nodar Lominadze, João Carvalho and Ricard Sánchez, with Diogo Spencer grabbing a consolation for the visitors.

Tom Kundert reports from the Estádio António Coimbra da Mota.

Estoril dominated the first half and two well-worked goals put the Canaries in command at the break.

After a strong start, with Boma and Rafik Guitane going close, Ricard Sánchez received a long cross-field pass from Ferro, advanced forward and passed across the box to Nodar Lominadze. The Georgian showed fantastic composure to take the ball in his stride, dribble past two challenges and beat Simão to give the hosts the lead.

Midfield stars combine

The lead was doubled with another fine team goal in the 28th minute. A series of quick passes transported the ball to Rafik Guitane, the twinkle-toed Frenchman dribbling down the right of the box and crossing perfectly for João Carvalho to shoot home.

AFS showed more attacking intent as the half wore on, Tomané and Óscar Perea not far away from reducing the deficit.

But Estoril started the second half like they started the first – on the offensive and creating chances. Yanis Begraoui smashed a shot against the post and Pedro Amaral was a whisker away from finding the net after being set up by the Moroccan.

It was no surprise, therefore, when Estoril scored their third. The impressive Ricard Sánchez was in the right place at the right time after another neat move sliced open the AFS defence, captain Carvalho with a lovely assist with the outside of his boot.

AFS show fight

At this stage it appeared AFS could collapse to an embarrassing defeat, but credit to the struggling northerners who refused to throw in the towel and improved noticeably after a triple substitution with Guilherme Neiva, Diego Duarte and Sidi Bane entering the action.

And Estoril being Estoril, keeping a clean sheet is always a challenge. Sure enough, a careless wayward pass by the otherwise excellent substitute Tiago Brito gifted a chance to Diogo Spencer, with the Benfica loanee making no mistake.

And 3-1 almost became 3-2 when Diego Duarte turned and hit a brilliant 20-yarder into the corner of the net, only for the goal to be ruled out after a long VAR check for a marginal offside.

At the other end of the pitch André Lacximicant and Guitane were both close to scoring a fourth for Estoril.

Ian Cathro’s team guarantee entertainment but today’s result was important to calm the waters after a hitherto winless season. As for AFS, it looks like a long haul and a difficult battle to avoid relegation for José Mota’s men.

Estoril Praia: Joel Robles, Ferro, Felix Bacher, Kévin Boma, Ricard Sánchez (Pedro Carvalho, 63’), Jordan Holsgrove (Pizzi, 71’), Nodar Lominadze (André Lacximicant, 71’), Pedro Amaral (Tiago Parente, 71’), Rafik Guitane, Yanis Begraoui (Tiago Brito, 71’), João Carvalho