It was based on grit and a lot of dedication. It was the Flamengo way. 

This is how you can describe the victory of Mais Querido over Vasco, coming from behind, 2-1, on Monday morning (9), at Gávea, in a match valid for the Copa Rio Feminina. Laysa and Djeni - in stoppage time - scored the goals and the team led by Celso Silva won their first three points in the tournament. 

The game

The match started quite evenly. At 13', Jucinara made a good individual play and crossed to Laysa's head, who almost opened the scoring. Following that, in a play down the left, the ball fell to Carolzinha at the edge of the area, making it 1-0 for Vasco. The goal didn't discourage the Flamengo women's team, and new opportunities were created, with long-range shots from Laysa and Letícia. The goalkeeper made both saves. Before halftime, Monalisa took a corner kick, and Cristiane's shot grazed the post. The first half ended like that.

Upon returning for the second half, Flamengo launched a full-on attack in search of victory. Celso made four substitutions right away, bringing on Anna Luiza, Djeni, Fernanda, and Thaisa. The changes provided new energy, and the team began to dominate the match. In the 18th minute, Laysa gained speed, entered the area, and was stopped by Renata. In the 27th minute, however, the story was different. Fernanda launched the ball, the number 31 anticipated, dribbled, and leveled the score: 1-1.

With the score tied, another substitution changed the context of the match: the entry of Leane. The Manaus native – a member of the Under-20 team – disrupted the opposing defense and was crucial in the final minutes. In the 47th minute, Fernanda hit the crossbar, and the ball fell perfectly for captain Djeni to put it in the back of the net, turning the game around and securing a 2-1 victory. 

Next appointment

Mengão returns to the field on Thursday (12), to face Mixto-MT, away from home, for the opening of the Brasileirão Feminino.

Flamengo lineup

Vivi Holzel; Monalisa (Fernanda), Núbia (Flávia Mota), Layza Cavalcanti and Jucinara (Anna Luiza); Ju Ferreira (Djeni), Letícia and Mariana (Leane); Maisa, Laysa and Cristiane (Thaisa).

Technical sheet

Flamengo 2-1 Vasco - 1st round of the Rio Women's Cup
Location: Gávea
Date and time: August 09th at 02pm
Goals: Carolzinha (15'1st half), Laysa (27'2nd half) and Djeni (47'2nd half).