Flamengo defeats Botafogo 3-1 in their opening match of the Rio Women's Under-20 Cup.
Laura Mariah and Ana Papel score fantastic goals, Maria Fernanda completes the scoring, and Flamengo starts 2026 with a great result.
By Rafael Rezende - in
In the intense heat of Rio de Janeiro, the Flamengo Girls took advantage of the home advantage and beat Botafogo 3-1, on Saturday morning (14), in the opening round of the Copa Rio Feminina Sub-20. The Flamengo goals were scored by Laura Mariah - Olympic goal -, Ana Papel and Maria Fernanda.
The game
Even though it was the first game of the season, the team managed by Filipe Torres didn't abandon its style, which resulted in two titles in 2025, and pressured the opponent from the kickoff. The marking worked and resulted in several corner kicks. In one, at 24', Laura Mariah took a perfect corner kick and scored directly from the corner: 1-0. The goal maintained control of the match and the team created good opportunities with Ana Papel and Campos, but failed to convert. In the final stretch of the first half, Botafogo equalized with a goal from Lorraine: 1-1.
After the break, Flamengo maintained their rhythm, continued to dominate, and their persistence was rewarded with a fantastic goal in the 17th minute: Condorelli launched the ball, Maria Fernanda deflected it, Jamile touched it first-time, and Ana Papel lobbed the goalkeeper with a beautiful shot from outside the area. Five minutes later, Dudinha took a corner kick that Maria Fernanda headed in to make it 3-1.
With the advantage, the team felt comfortable on the scoreboard and managed the result calmly. Defensively solid thanks to the excellent performance of the center-back duo - formed by Laura Cardoso and Nicoli - the beloved team left the field deservedly victorious and with good prospects for the rest of the year.
Next appointment
Flamengo has a bye in the second round and will only play again in the tournament in March, against Fluminense, away from home.
Flamengo lineup
Condorelli; Bruna, Laura Cardoso, Nicoli and Laura Mariah; Dudinha, Ana Papel and Maria Fernanda (Bia Sales); Alice (Raika), Campos (Nathalia) and Nina Garrit (Jamile).
Coach: Filipe Torres.
Technical sheet
Flamengo 3x1 Botafogo - 1st round of the U-20 Women's Rio Cup
Location: Gávea
Date and time: August 14th at 02pm
Goals: Laura Mariah (24'1st half), Lorraine (41'1st half), Ana Papel (17'2nd half) and Maria Fernanda (22'2nd half)