Jovane Cabral Stuns Famalicão With Clinical Double

VILA NOVA DE FAMALICÃO, PORTUGAL — Jovane Cabral delivered a masterclass in clinical finishing, netting twice as 14th-placed Estrela pulled off a stunning 3-2 victory over sixth-placed Famalicão despite the hosts dominating possession at 61% and launching 22 shots compared to the visitors' meager six. The Cape Verdean forward's decisive second-half strike, awarded following VAR review in the 51st minute, capped a remarkable smash-and-grab performance that left the home faithful stunned at Estádio Municipal 22 de Junho.

The match exploded into life early as both sides traded blows in a breathless opening half-hour. Famalicão thought they had the perfect start when Luan Patrick inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the eighth minute under pressure from the home attack. But Estrela responded with ruthless efficiency just two minutes later, as Kikas rifled a right-footed shot from the centre of the box into the top left corner following a clever assist from Otávio. The visitors' clinical edge continued in the 24th minute when Jovane Cabral latched onto a through ball and coolly slotted a left-footed effort from the centre of the box into the high centre of the goal. Famalicão clawed one back three minutes later through Sorriso, who powered a header from very close range into the bottom left corner after Gil Dias delivered a pinpoint cross. The drama reached its crescendo six minutes into the second half when Jovane Cabral struck again, drilling a right-footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner after VAR confirmed the goal should stand.

The tactical battle told a story of dominance without reward for Famalicão. Tom van de Looi and Yassir Zabiri controlled the midfield, dictating tempo and creating chances, but Estrela goalkeeper Renan Ribeiro stood firm when called upon. The defensive duo of Luan Patrick and Bernardo Schappo absorbed relentless pressure, throwing bodies in front of shots as Famalicão grew increasingly desperate. L'éo Realpe came agonizingly close to equalizing when his header struck the crossbar in the 68th minute, while Yassir Zabiri also rattled the woodwork with a thunderous effort from distance three minutes later.

The statistics told a different story, with Famalicão dominating possession and chances but Estrela taking all three points. Despite 22 attempts, Famalicão managed just five on target, highlighting their wastefulness in front of goal. Estrela's four shots on target from six attempts demonstrated clinical efficiency that proved the difference. The referee was busy throughout, brandishing eight cards in a feisty affair that saw tensions boil over repeatedly, with Guilherme Montóia, Ianis Stoica, Atanas Chernev, and Rodrigo Pinho all cautioned for Estrela, while Gil Dias, Roméo Beney, and an earlier booking added to Famalicão's frustration.

The turning point arrived with Jovane Cabral's VAR-awarded winner early in the second half. After the goal survived video review, Famalicão's desperation grew palpable. Manager substitutions brought on Antoine Joujou, Gustavo Garcia, Roméo Beney, Umar Abubakar, and Simon Elisor in search of an equalizer, but Estrela's defensive resolve held firm through a nervy 10 minutes of stoppage time. Renan Ribeiro made crucial late saves, including denying Tom van de Looi and Simon Elisor as Famalicão threw everything forward.

Looking ahead, Estrela will travel to face Braga on January 3, while Famalicão host Alverca on January 4.