The Guanabara Cup U-15 and U-17 for Flamengo began this Saturday (3) with mixed feelings. While the younger category beat Volta Redonda 1-0, being represented mostly by athletes from the 2010 generation, in addition to the U-14 coaching staff, the older ones were not so lucky. Also formed by athletes and staff from the category below, the Garotos do Ninho were defeated 3-1, in a game with controversial refereeing.

First, the U-15s took the field at 11 a.m. at the Volta Redonda training center. Even playing against an older team, the Ninho Boys were undaunted and controlled the game well through possession. However, their final pass wasn't clicking, and the opposing goalkeeper didn't have much trouble in the first half. Neither did goalkeeper Vinicius, who had good defensive support and wasn't in trouble.

In the final stage, coach Thiago de Camillis, making his debut in charge of Flamengo's youth academy, made changes that made the team faster. The home team's defensive structure began to crumble, and chances began to appear for striker Leonardo, who was twice stopped by the opposing goalkeeper.

The goal came only in stoppage time, in the 41st minute, with José Eduardo. The striker received the ball from Nathan Ribeiro inside the box and calmly scored the winning goal.

Lineup:

Vinicius; Nathan Ribeiro, Lucas Cecconi, Nathan, Rafael; Vitor Hugo Cardoso, Thauan, Davi Fraga (Carlos Eduardo); Guilherme Queiroz (Jose Eduardo), Marcos Pierre (Antônio Victor) and Leonardo. Coach Thiago de Camillis.
Yellow card: Antonio Victor.

U-17 loses in debut with U-16 on the field

Next, Vinicius Durante's team took the field against Volta Redonda. Due to the heat and dry weather, they used a possession-based strategy to control the match and create opportunities. However, the first goal conceded destabilized the team. After receiving treatment on the field and the player was removed from the field, the referee restarted the match and allowed the home player to return to the side where Flamengo was building the play. The opponent stole the ball and passed it to his teammate to open the scoring. Before the timeout, Volta Redonda scored their second goal in a period of effective pressure.

The Rubro-Negro coach spoke with the team, and the team came back stronger. The best chances came down the left flank with Davi Waisman and Ryan Pablo. Midway through the second half, on a cross, the striker was pushed and brought down in the box, but the referee ignored the penalty. This didn't faze Mengão, who continued to search for an equalizer. Another play by the aforementioned duo led to Flamengo's first goal. Davi arrived on the left, struck hard, and Ryan pounced on the rebound to reduce the deficit.

Chances for an equalizer continued to appear for Mengão, who continued building on the left. Once again, from that side, a cross hit the opposing defender's hand, but the referee signaled a corner. Near the end, Volta Redonda was awarded a penalty, also after a push inside the Rubro-Negra box, and made the most of the opportunity, finishing 3-1. The U-15 and U-17 teams return to action next Saturday, against Bangu, in the second round at Gávea.

Lineup:

Dudu; Heitor, Yago Cardoso, Levy, Fabio Henrique; Lucas Falcone, Enzo, Rafinha; Davi Waisman, Gabriel Amancio and Ryan Pablo. Coach: Vinicius Durante