In the semi-final of the Flamengo adidas Cup Sub-16, played on Sunday morning (15), Mengão drew with São Paulo 1-1, and secured qualification for the final on penalties, winning 4-2. Now, the Garotos do Ninho will face Arsenal in the grand final, which will be played this Monday (16), at CT George Helal. The competition is sponsored by Indrive.

The game
The match began with both teams fighting fiercely for possession in midfield. In the opening minutes, Flamengo exchanged passes in the attacking half and tried to break into São Paulo's box.

The match was quite lively, and the red-and-black team was more aggressive, attacking more frequently. In the final minutes of the first half, São Paulo began to dominate possession in the attacking half. In the 33rd minute, Geovanne Cuiabano took a shot from outside the box and opened the scoring for the tricolor: 1-0. The Garotos do Ninho went into halftime needing a comeback to qualify for the final.

Seeking an equalizer, the Red-Blacks started the second half on top of their opponents. In the fourth minute, Ryan Roberto made a good play and risked a shot from outside the box, but the goalkeeper saved it. With greater possession, the Boys of the Nest tried to break down the defense and struggled to penetrate São Paulo's strong defense.

In the 32nd minute, João Vitor took a shot from the edge of the box, but the ball hit the post. In stoppage time, Ryan Roberto burst into the box and was brought down. The referee awarded the penalty to the red-and-black team. The number 11 himself stepped up to take the shot and fired it powerfully into the goalkeeper's right corner: 1-1. With the score tied, the qualifying match went to penalties.

In the penalty shootout, Mengão won 4-2 and is now qualified for the Flamengo adidas Cup final! Ryan Roberto, Victor Hugo, João Vitor and Jhefinho converted the penalties for the red-black team. Now, the Garotos do Ninho will face Arsenal this Monday (16).

Flamengo lineup
Werneck; Matheus, Pedro Pinho (Ryan Gabriel), Daniel and Gabriel Amancio; Matheus Tiago (Emanuel), Enzo (Ruan) and Jhefinho; Diego (Davi Waisman), Ryan Roberto and Kaio Gomes (Victor Hugo).
Coach: Vinicius Durante.

Technical sheet
Flamengo 1(4)x1(2) São Paulo – Semifinal 2 of the Flamengo adidas Cup U-16
Location: CT George Helal – Ninho do Urubu
Date and time: 15/12/2024 at 10:45 am
Yellow cards: Matheus Tiago (FLA), Pedro Pinho (FLA), Airton Douglas (SPO), Geovanne Cuiabano (SPO)
Goals: Geovanne Cuiabano (33'1st half) and Ryan Roberto (38'2nd half).