Win, win, win. The U-17s win their third and are in the round of 16 of the BH Cup.
Rhyan's last-minute goal secures the Ninho Boys' place in the round of 16 of the national competition
By Ian Sena - in
With a goal from center forward Rhyan in the last minute of the game, the third in three matches in the competition, Flamengo's Under-17 team defeated América de Teófilo Otoni 1-0 on Saturday afternoon (21). The victory guaranteed the leadership of Group D of the competition for Mais Querido, which is guaranteed in the round of 16 and awaits indication from the Minas Gerais Federation to know the opponent, date and location of the start of its journey in the knockout stage of the important national competition.
Flamengo's first chance of the game came just seven minutes in. Yuri de Oliveira took a strong, low shot, but goalkeeper Jardson made a difficult save with his feet. Flamengo were the better team and created the best scoring opportunities. At 20 minutes, Rodrigo Muniz cut inside and shot powerfully, forcing another good save from Jardson. At 22 minutes, Sidney tried his luck from outside the area, but the shot went wide to the left of the Atlético Mineiro goal.
The pressure was intense. At 25 minutes, Rhyan unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box, and the ball crashed against Jardson's post, who could only watch.
The second half had few scoring opportunities. Flamengo was superior on the field, but didn't create many chances. In the dying moments, at the 40-minute mark, João Gabriel crossed into the area and Lázaro was brought down by goalkeeper Jardson. The ball was on the penalty spot. Striker Rhyan calmly and skillfully took the penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and scoring the winning goal for the Flamengo youth team in the competition, their third in three games, guaranteeing a 100% record in the first phase and the leadership of Group D.
“It was a very difficult game, tight from the first minute. We had chances to score, we didn't despair, and thank God we had a penalty at the end that I was able to convert. Qualifying with three wins was very important to boost the group's confidence. Now, we will focus on the knockout stage and prepare even more for the upcoming challenges. Whoever wants to be champion can't choose their opponent,” said top scorer Rhyan.
Flamengo: Pedro Victor, Braian (Luís Gustavo), Natan (Gabriel Noga), Lucas Chagas, Ramon; Lucas Gabriel, Gomes, Yuri de Oliveira (João Gabriel); Rodrigo Muniz, Sidney (Lázaro) and Rhyan. Coach: Phelipe Leal.