Zaidu Sanusi's Porto stumble again in title chase after Santa Clara upset

Portuguese giants FC Porto continued their recent poor form in the Primeira Liga after dropping points to 15th-placed CD Santa Clara on Saturday evening.

The defending champions threw away a first-half lead to draw 1-1 away at the Estadio de Sao Miguel, after losing 1-0 at home to Benfica the previous week.

Porto failed to protect Fabio Cardoso's 3rd-minute opener, allowing Kennedy Boateng to grab an equaliser in the 83rd minute to share the spoils.

After a rousing 4-0 away victory over Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League during the midweek, Porto expected to step into their stride again in the hopes of banishing last weekend's loss to Benfica.

The Vitor Bruno side has the perfect start to the match, with Cardoso scoring in just the 3rd minute from a Bruno Costa assist.

However, the record league winners were unable to add more goals to their tally despite having 15 shots all through the match.

As Porto feared, Santa Clara turned their only 35% possession into something tangible in the 83rd minute with Xavier Quintilla setting up Boateng to equalise for the hosts against the run of play.

That was how it ended as Porto fell farther from the top of the Portuguese Primeira table, with the defending champions now five (5) points behind Benfica despite having played one more match than Benfica.

Super Eagles left-back Zaidu Sanusi played 89 minutes for Porto in their clash with Santa Clara, putting in a decent performance on the day. 

Sanusi had two (2) interceptions, one (1) tackle, and won two (2) of his five (5) ground duels.

As an offensive full-back, the Nigeria international played two (2) key passes, created one (1) big chance, played two (2) long balls, and completed one (1) dribble.

Porto will be back in action on Tuesday, November 1 when they host Spanish side Atletico Madrid at the Estadio do Dragao for their final UEFA Champions League group stage fixture