Flamengo and América faced each other under intense heat on Saturday morning (01) at Gávea Stadium, in a match valid for the 20th round of the Guanabara Cup U-17. Playing with their U-16 team, as the U-17 category starters enjoy a well-deserved break after winning the Evergrande Cup in China undefeated last week, Rubro-Negro defeated their traditional opponent 2-0 (Felipinho and Caio), a result that keeps the Garotos do Ninho in the isolated lead of the Guanabara Cup, now with 52 points won. In the next round, with the starters back, Flamengo goes to Campos to face Goytacaz, in a duel scheduled for Saturday (08) at 13 pm, at Ary de Oliveira Stadium.

The match started off sluggishly. During the first 20 minutes, no scoring chances were created. The first came only in the 20th minute, and it was a set piece. Wewerton was brought down at the edge of the box, Denilson took the shot, and the ball went dangerously wide of the American goal. The second chance went in. Ramon crossed into the box, the defense deflected it, and the ball fell to Felipinho, who made no mistake and opened the scoring for the Garoto do Ninho in the last minute of the first half. 

Three minutes into the second half, Wewerton only failed to extend Flamengo's lead thanks to goalkeeper Pacato making a great save. América threatened for the first time in the match in the 16th minute. Daniel struck hard, but Bruno made a great save, maintaining the Flamengo advantage. In the 30th minute, Arthur passed to Mayquinho, who struck first time. The ball, out of Pacato's reach, hit the post. In the next play, the Garotos do Ninho extended their lead with a curious move. Pedro Arthur received the ball in the box and attempted a cross, but the defense cleared it. The América defender, completely in control of the play, shot into the back of his own team's full-back. The ball fell to Caio, who scored the second with his first touch.

 

In a draw held yesterday at CBF headquarters, Flamengo learned its opponent in the first round of the U-17 Brazil Cup. The fight for the unprecedented title will begin in the south of the country. On October 3rd, the "Garotos do Ninho" will face Londrina at Estádio do Café. A two-goal victory will eliminate the need for a second leg in Rio de Janeiro. If it advances, Flamengo will face the winner of América MG and Chapecoense in the next round.

Flamengo: Bruno, Marcos Felipe (Jhonata), Teo, Otavio, Ramon; Rykelmo (Mayquinho), Denilson (Dhouglas), Peçanha; Gabriel Borsatto (Pedro Arthur), Felipinho (Arthur) and Wewerton (Caio). Coach: Ramon Lima.