In the fourth round of the Rio U-20 Cup, Flamengo drew 2-2 with Botafogo on Wednesday morning (28), at CEFAT. The goals for the Mais Querido were scored by Darlan and Mateus Dias, both in the second half. After being two goals down, Mengão reacted in the final stage, managed to equalize and, by a hair, almost came away with the victory.

The game
The first half began with both teams closely studying each other. Five minutes in, Flamengo created a threat for the first time. Igor Lemos broke quickly on the counterattack from the left and struck powerfully. The Botafogo goalkeeper made a good save. In the 18th minute, Botafogo opened the scoring with Vitinho: 1-0.

Despite conceding the goal, the red-and-black team was playing well and managed to maintain possession for longer, investing in plays down the flanks. In the 33rd minute, André made a good individual run down the left, burst into the box, and shot. The ball sailed over the goal. André then recovered the ball again in midfield, advanced, and shot on goal, but hit the post.

In the 46th minute, Botafogo extended their lead with Ênio's penalty, his second attempt at attacking. The first half ended with the black and white team in the lead, but with the Mais Querido (the most beloved) largely dominating, creating the best chances.

In the second half, Botafogo threatened in the first minute with André, who took a shot from outside the box. With the lead, Botafogo retreated, exploiting counterattacks. In the 8th minute, Mengão pulled one back! Carlos Daniel took a free kick from the right, Mateus Dias deflected it into the six-yard box, and Darlan finished into the back of the net: 2-1.

In the 13th minute, Flamengo tied the score! Marcos Felipe made a good run down the right, reached the baseline, and rolled the ball back. Mateus Dias finished it off for a 2-2 goal. Flamengo fought back until the final minute, but the match ended in a draw.

And now?
Mengão returns to the field next Wednesday (04) to face Bangu, at 10 am, in Moça Bonita, for the fifth round of the Taça Rio Sub-20.

Flamengo lineup
Pedro Caracoci, Marcos Felipe, Milani (Mandovanni), Darlan and Vitor Muller (Lucas André); Sidney, Carlos Daniel (Bryan) and Danilo (Mateus Dias); André (Chrysman), Igor Lemos and Ronald (Samuel).
Coach: Mario Jorge