In a thrilling encounter at the Estádio Castelão in São Luís, Flamengo edged out Botafogo-PB 1-0 in the first leg of the Copa Betano do Brasil on May 1, 2025. The match marked a memorable debut for 17-year-old Joshua, who scored the decisive goal just six minutes after stepping onto the pitch.
With over 35,000 fans in attendance, the atmosphere was electric as Flamengo sought to assert their dominance in the tournament. The match was part of the third phase of the Copa do Brasil, and Flamengo's victory gives them a significant advantage heading into the return leg at the Maracanã on May 21, 2025.
Flamengo's head coach, Filipe Luís, opted to rest several key players following a commanding 4-0 victory over Corinthians in their previous match. Among the changes was goalkeeper Matheus Cunha, who replaced Rossi. Young talents like 18-year-old João Victor also got the chance to shine, starting in defense.
From the outset, Flamengo controlled the game, showcasing their attacking prowess. However, they struggled to find the back of the net, with Michael and João Victor missing clear chances. Despite dominating possession, the first half ended without any goals, leaving fans anxious for a breakthrough.
The second half continued in a similar vein, with Flamengo maintaining their attacking momentum. Juninho, who came on as a substitute, had a golden opportunity but failed to convert. Just when it seemed like the game might end in stalemate, Joshua made his mark.
In the 40th minute, after a well-placed header from Juninho, Joshua pounced on the rebound, slotting the ball into the net with precision. The goal not only secured the win for Flamengo but also marked the beginning of what promises to be a bright career for the young striker.
Joshua's journey to this moment has been nothing short of impressive. Having scored over 100 goals in Flamengo's youth teams, his potential has been evident for some time. Last year, he renewed his contract with the club until 2029, including a hefty release clause of 70 million euros, a testament to the faith Flamengo has in his abilities.
After the match, Joshua expressed his joy, saying, "It’s a dream come true to score for Flamengo. I’ve worked hard for this moment, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help my team." His coach also praised the teenager, stating, "Joshua has a bright future ahead of him. He’s shown that he can handle the pressure and perform when it matters most."
Flamengo's victory sets them up nicely for the return leg, as they only need a draw to advance to the next round. In contrast, Botafogo-PB faces an uphill battle; they must win by two goals to qualify directly or win by one goal to force a penalty shootout.
Looking ahead, both teams have critical matches in their respective leagues. Botafogo-PB will take on Guarani in Série C this Sunday at 19:00, while Flamengo will face Cruzeiro in the Brasileirão at 18:30 on the same day. These upcoming fixtures will test the depth and resilience of both squads as they juggle domestic and cup competitions.
As the excitement builds for the return leg at the Maracanã, fans will be eager to see how Joshua and Flamengo build on this victory. With the confidence of a young star and the backing of a passionate fanbase, the stage is set for a thrilling continuation of this Copa do Brasil saga.
