Under-15s defeat Botafogo on penalties in the State Championship
After a 0-0 draw in normal time, Garotos do Ninho won on penalties 3-2 and secured the extra point.
By Ian Sena - inFlamengo and Botafogo faced each other in a double round this Saturday morning (02) at CEFAT Várzea das Moças, in Niterói, in duels valid for the 10th round of the Guanabara Cup of the State Championships for the U-15 and U-17 categories. The two classics ended in a 0-0 draw in normal time, and the Rubro-Negro won one and lost the other in the penalty kicks stipulated in the competition regulations in case of a tie in regular time. The U-15 won 3-2 and further isolated itself in the undefeated leadership of the tournament, with goalkeeper Christian shining and saving three shots. The U-17 was defeated 4-2, and remains in the fight for the top spots, now reaching 23 points.
Superior to the opponent throughout the match, the U-15 team had its best chance to score a missed penalty in the 29th minute of the second half, when center forward Ryan Luka was brought down inside the Botafogo penalty area. Captain Diego took the shot with skill and displaced the goalkeeper, but missed the target. The ball hit the post and went out of bounds.
In the penalty shootout, Christian, the "Pardão" (Survivor of the Wall), shone once again this season, saving three shots, securing the 3-2 victory for the "Garotos do Ninho" (Ninho Boys) and the extra point in the standings. With this, coach Mario Jorge's men remain unbeaten in the Taça Guanabara and remain unbeaten in the competition, now with 23 points from eight games. Flamengo will have the next round off and will return to action on the 16th, when they face Portuguesa at the Estádio da Rua Figueira de Melo in São Cristovão.
Flamengo: Christian, Samuel (Richard), Diego, Kaiky, Leonardo; Jorge, Daniel Campos, Victor Hugo (Leoni); Arthur Lessa (Oliveira), João Pedro and Ryan Luka. Coach: Mario Jorge.
U-17 loses in penalty shootout
The repeat of the last U-17 State Championship final, won by Flamengo, started with a bang. Six minutes in, Flamengo threatened for the first time in the match. Ramon crossed, and Rhyan struck first-time, but goalkeeper Andrew made a good save. In the 14th minute, Rhyan delivered a beautiful pass to Reinier. The midfielder fired a smart shot, but the ball went just wide of Botafogo's left post. Subsequently, Flamengo's striker, Mineiro, elbowed Ramon and was sent off. Lost on the field, the referee got into trouble and also gave Reinier a red card on the following play, after a foul that deserved at most a yellow card.
The second half was very even, with few scoring chances for either side. The "Garotos do Ninho" dominated possession and controlled the game. Flamengo had the best chance. Gomes took a penalty after a hard foul by Rodrigo Muniz in the 42nd minute, but goalkeeper Andrew made the save. Botafogo threatened with two counterattacks, but goalkeeper Pedro Victor came through brilliantly and saved "Mais Querido" on both occasions.
The competition rules also provide for penalties in the event of a tie, with the winning team earning an extra point. The "Garotos do Ninho" (Nest Boys) ended up losing 4-2 and earned just one point in the standings, reaching 23 points and remaining in contention for the top spots in a point-by-point duel against Fluminense, Botafogo, and Vasco.
Mais Querido returns to the field next Saturday (09), when it receives Bangu at 11 am, in Gávea.
Flamengo: Pedro Victor, Braian (Bruno Gabriel), Natan, Lucas Chagas (Gabriel Noga), Ramon (Italo); Lucas Gabriel (João Gabriel), Gomes, Yuri de Oliveira (Dhouglas); Rodrigo Muniz, Reinier and Rhyan (Marcos Felipe). Coach: Phelipe Leal.