The Flamengo U-20 women’s team has secured a spot in the final of the Estrelas International Tournament, defeating the Paraguayan National Team 1-0 with a goal from Ana Papel.
The “Girls of Gávea” reached an important milestone on Wednesday afternoon (23rd), securing a place in the grand final of the Estrelas International Tournament. Flamengo’s U-20 squad overcame the Paraguayan National Team by a score of 1-0 in a hard-fought match that tested the red-and-black team’s capabilities.
The victory, sealed by a goal from forward Ana Papel, propels Flamengo toward a decisive showdown. The Rio de Janeiro club now eagerly awaits the outcome of the other semifinal to determine whether they will face São Paulo or Spanish giant Real Madrid in the title fight.
The Road to the Final
The match began with tactical balance, as both teams studied each other, resulting in few clear scoring chances. Gradually, Flamengo sought to impose its playing rhythm, facing a well-organized Paraguayan defense.
Flamengo’s first significant opportunity came from Maria Fernanda, whose shot was blocked by the opposing defense after she won a tackle at the edge of the box. However, the “Mais Querido”‘s persistence paid off.
In the 26th minute of the first half, following a free-kick by Isabela Nunes that the Paraguayan defense failed to clear, Ana Papel showed opportunism and precision, striking a beautiful shot that opened the scoring for Flamengo. The slim lead brought more confidence to the Rio de Janeiro team.
In the second half, the game’s dynamic remained intense. The Paraguayan National Team increased the pressure, forcing important saves from Flamengo’s goalkeeper Dome Palacios in the opening minutes. Despite the opponent’s advances, Mengão maintained defensive solidity.
The team also had a chance to extend their lead through Leane in the 24th minute, but the scoreline remained unchanged. In the final stretch of the match, the “Girls of Gávea” controlled the game with maturity, securing the victory and the much-desired spot in the final.
Next Challenge at Canindé
The Flamengo U-20 women’s team already has the date and venue for its next commitment, which will be the tournament’s grand final. The team will take the field next Saturday (26th) at 6 PM, at the Canindé stadium. The opponent will be determined between Real Madrid and São Paulo, promising a high-level duel.
Semifinal Details
The lineup that secured Flamengo’s spot in the final consisted of: Dome Palacios; Gi Cabral (Leane), Bia Brandão (Yasmim Cardozo), Cecília, and Isabela Nunes; Laura Cardoso, Dudinha, Nicoli, and Maria Fernanda (Nathalia); Ana Papel (Alice), and Campos. The head coach was Leonardo Santos.
The match report shows Flamengo’s 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the semifinal of the Estrelas International Tournament. The goal was scored by Ana Papel in the 26th minute of the first half, at the Canindé stadium, in a match played on September 23rd.
The qualification for the final of the Estrelas International Tournament reinforces Flamengo’s strength and investment in youth women’s football. The team demonstrated resilience and focus, overcoming a determined opponent, and is now preparing for a match that could crown their excellent campaign with an international title.
The expectation is for a great spectacle in the final, regardless of the opponent, consolidating the potential of the young red-and-black athletes on the women’s football stage.
Equipe M360
