When Sporting CP relaunched its women’s team, it was a turning point for women's football in Portugal. Five years on, could its Lisbon rivals be the catalyst for another?
The hosts went ahead in the contest when Ana Beja broke the deadlock four minutes from half-time at Campo Caridade Stadium.
The visitors, however, did not allow Ouriense s celebration to last for too long as the Ghana international levelled matters in the 44th minute.
Mauro Pulquerio s team made the better start to the second half as Fernanda Peinado fired them in front eight minutes after the restart.
But Joao Filipe Ferreira Goncalves s side left it late to avoid their fourth defeat in a row as Juliana Domingues struck just before the final whistle.
Despite the draw, A-dos-Francos are bottom with five points from six matches, while Ouriense are fourth with 14 from seven games.
Machia lasted the duration and has now scored a goal in two outings for Ouriense, while Mozambique striker Lucia Jose was in action for the final 28 minutes after replacing Maria Baleia.
The result at Campo Luis Duarte keeps Ouriense second on the log with six points from two games in the relegation playoff round.
They will welcome leaders Estoril Praia in their next encounter on January 31 and Machia will hope to continue with her impressive goalscoring form in front of goal.
On the other hand, Ghana star Olivia Anokye featured in the final 34 minutes for A-dos-Francos after she replaced Joana Lucas but could not rescue her side from their first playoff defeat.
The 29-year-old was handed her first appearance as a second half substitute and she put up a fine showing to help her side to a winning start in the quest to remain in the top flight.
Flavia Fartaria s goal in the 54th minute of the encounter earned the hosts the maximum points at home.
On her debut, Machia was in action in the final 45 minutes of the match, while Mozambique s Lucia Jose featured for 75 minutes in Ouriense win.
The result moves Ouriense to second on the log with three points from the first match of the relegation playoff round.
They will lock horns with A-dos-Francos in their next fixture on January 24 and Machia will hope to inspire her side to back-to-back wins in their survival battle.
Christy Ucheibe was on target in SL Benfica's 7-0 win over Torreense in Sunday's Portuguese Liga BPI Championship round opening fixture at Benfica Stadium.