The Moita municipal walking football team made its competitive debut in the Taça Nacional de Walking Football on October 31, facing a challenging start with a 1-0 loss to SC Farense followed by a 2-2 draw against FC Ferreiras. The matches were hosted by the Associação de Futebol do Algarve at its Academia – Centro de Treinos, marking the first official competitive outings for the Moita squad.
Debut Campaign Begins in the Algarve
The Moita team, representing a municipal project promoting active and healthy aging for residents over 50, entered the national tournament. Their inaugural campaign kicked off in the Algarve region, where they played two matches against opponents. The opening contest saw them face SC Farense, a team recognized as a champion within the Associação de Futebol do Algarve and with experience in the walking football discipline.
Facing a more consolidated rival, the Moita squad was unable to find the net and succumbed to a 1-0 defeat in their first outing. The Moita team played against an opponent with the discipline “bem enraizada na região” (well-established in the region), highlighting the challenge of competing against seasoned teams in their competitive debut.
Resilient Fight Earns a Point
The encounter, described as “emotivo” (emotional) and marked by “luta até ao último minuto” (a fight until the last minute), ended in a 2-2 draw. The Moita team took the lead at halftime but saw their opponents equalize in the second half.
Never losing determination, the Moita squad continued to press forward and managed to secure a dramatic equalizing goal just before the final whistle. This late strike ensured they left the competition’s first weekend with one point from their two matches. António Estrela and Luís Candeias were credited as the goal scorers for the Moita team in the draw, providing the offensive spark needed to salvage a result.
A Project for Community and Health
The participation of the Moita team in the Taça Nacional is a direct extension of a municipal project aimed at promoting an active and healthy lifestyle for the community. This initiative, specifically designed for individuals over 50 and open to all genders, seeks to encourage regular physical activity and greater community participation through sport.
The project is described as a "projeto municipal de referência" (a municipal project of reference) in the promotion of active aging, showing its importance to the local area.
Next Fixture in Beja
The Moita team’s journey in the Taça Nacional continues on November 21, when they travel to Beja for the next set of fixtures. On that date, they will face FC Serpa and CCD Vale Milhaços, continuing their competitive schedule against new opponents.
The upcoming matches in Beja provide the Moita squad with further opportunities to gain experience in the national competition.
Related reading
