Photo: Gilvan de Souza

The first step toward the U-17 Rio Cup final has been taken. Playing this Saturday at Gávea Stadium, Flamengo thrashed Botafogo 5-2 in the first leg of the semifinal. Joshua scored another hat trick, and Douglas Telles scored twice. 

The return match is scheduled for Saturday (1/6), at 10 am, at the opponent's field.

A very eventful first half. The red-and-black team was surprised by two early goals. Seeking to recover from the deficit, the team led by coach Filipe Luís managed to reduce the deficit. 

In the 27th minute, Pablo made a brilliant play, receiving the ball up front and winning the penalty. Celebrating his birthday tomorrow, Joshua took the penalty with style and reduced the deficit for the Mais Querido.

With sheer grit and determination, the red-and-black youth team equalized in the first half. Well-positioned, Joshua capitalized on a rebound at the edge of the six-yard box and scored his second of the match, making it 2-2.

Before half-time, the opponent was left with one player less, with the expulsion of one of its defenders, opening up more space for Mengão.

Taking advantage of their numerical superiority on the field, Flamengo returned to the second half at full steam. Douglas Telles, one of the game's standouts, scored the third for the red-and-blacks after a beautiful individual play.

And the opposing team ended up having another player sent off, after 5 minutes after a violent tackle on a red-black player.

The Ninho Boys capitalized on the space and scored their fourth goal with Douglas Telles again in the 10th minute. Three minutes later, Luiz Phellipe nearly scored the fifth.

At 22, the goal of the afternoon. A cross from Wanderson on the right, after a free kick, for Joshua's first-time shot, sinking the goalkeeper's net: 5-2.

 LINEUP:

Léo Nannetti, Wanderson, Yago Melo, Johnny and Italo; Pablo, Lucas Vieira, Lucas Vieira and Joshua; Douglas Telles and Camargo.

Entered: Luiz Mariano, Alan Santos, Ryan Roberto and David Viana.

Coach: Filipe Luís.

CREDITS:

Flamengo 5 x 2 Botafogo

Semifinal - First leg - Rio U-17 Cup 

Location: Gávea

Time: 15h

Date: 25 / 05 / 2024

Goals: Joshua (3) at 28' and 39' of the 1st half and at 22' of the 2nd half; and Douglas Telles at 3' and 10' Douglas Telles.