The Amazonas FC football team is grappling with the fallout from a controversial match against Rio Branco VN, which took place on February 20 during the Copa do Brasil. The incident, which revolved around the failure to award a penalty kick to Amazonas FC late in the match, has led to significant discussions within the Brazilian football circles.
On the night of the match, referee José Magno Teixeira do Nascimento-RN did not signal for a penalty when defender Roberto Junior of Rio Branco VN appeared to handle the ball within the penalty area. This decision left players and officials from Amazonas FC, including former head coach Aderbal Lana and captain Fabiano, vocally protesting, as they felt their team was wronged by the referee's choice.
Following the game, the CBF's arbitration committee convened on February 22 to review the incident. The committee's meeting included recognized international referees such as Nicola Rizzoli, Nestor Pitana, and Sandro Ricci. They unanimously concluded on the matter, stating, "the referee made an erroneous interpretation by not awarding the penalty." This acknowledgment emphasizes the serious nature of officiation errors, especially at high-stakes competitions like the Copa do Brasil, where Amazonas FC missed out on the opportunity to advance and claimed 1.5 million BRL had they progressed.
Despite the disappointment of their elimination, Amazonas FC is turning its focus toward the Campeonato Amazonense. They will be playing the semifinals of the first round against Manauara on February 25 at the Arena da Amazônia. This game will mark the debut of new head coach Eduardo Barros, who was named to replace Lana after he transitioned to the technical coordination role.
Eduardo Barros brings extensive experience to the team, having last served as the assistant coach to Fernando Diniz at Cruzeiro. The 39-year-old, who hails from Campinas, SP, expressed his enthusiasm for joining Amazonas FC, stating, "It is a privilege to have this opportunity. Today, Amazonas is one of the top 40 clubs in Brazilian football, competing in Serie B, and it is an honor to take on this challenge." His appointment is seen as pivotal for the team's prospects moving forward.
Barros’s coaching history includes overseeing Coritiba's U20 team and working as an assistant at clubs such as Juventus-RS and Fluminense-RJ, where he contributed to several successful campaigns culminating in championship victories. The expectation for Barros is high, as fans and analysts alike look forward to witnessing how he will steer the team through the remaining competitions this season.
Alongside the semifinal clash with Manauara, Amazonas FC is also preparing for the quarterfinals of the Copa Verde against São Raimundo-RR on February 27. This busy schedule presents both opportunities and challenges for the newly appointed coach as he seeks to plant his vision and strategies within the squad.
This combination of tumultuous events – the controversy over the missed penalty and the new leadership with Barros at the helm – encapsulates the current rollercoaster ride for Amazonas FC. The upcoming matches will undoubtedly be a litmus test for what lies ahead for the team, both on the tactical front and in terms of team morale as they navigate this challenging season.