Luanda - The Angolan Bastos Quissanga's Botafogo won the Copa Libertadores on Saturday night, after beating Atlético-MG 3-1 in the final match played at the Núñez stadium in Buenos Aires (Argentina).
To win the most important title in their history, Botafogo had to overcome a sending-off in the first seconds and the emotional strain of a tense final.
The game began with a red card after just 30 seconds for Gregore, for a hard foul on Fausto Vera, the fastest maximum punishment in the history of the event's finals.
Despite being outnumbered, and with his main asset in the center of defense, Angolan Bastos Quissanga injured, coach Artur Jorge kept the starting line-up and relied on the team's mental strength.
In the 35th minute, Luiz Henrique opened the scoring with a powerful shot after a deflection off the Athletic defense.
Then a mistake by Galo resulted in a penalty for Botafogo. Alex Telles finished with class, increasing the lead just before half-time (2-0).
In the second half, coach Gabriel Milito made changes to Atlético's side, which had an immediate effect. Vargas, in his first move, scored with a header from a corner by Hulk, narrowing the gap to 2-1.
With one player less from the start, Botafogo retreated, relying on their solid defense and goalkeeper John, who made crucial saves, especially from a shot placed by Hulk.
When a draw seemed imminent, Júnior Santos took advantage of a counter-attack in the 51st minute to seal the win and lead Botafogo to glory.
Quissanga was always in doubt for this final. He recently felt pain in his left thigh during the 3-1 win over Palmeiras in the 36th round of the Brazilian Championship, leaving the stadium on a stretcher and has not yet recovered.
Fluminense, also from Brazil, are the holders of the trophy.
In the current “2024/25” season, Bastos Quissanga has made 60 appearances, 32 in Serie A, 10 in the Campeonato Carioca, 10 in the Copa Libertadores, five in the Copa do Brasil and the same number in the Afcon 2025 qualifiers.
An undisputed starter under coach Pedro Gonçalves, Bastos Quissanga was instrumental in Angola's qualification for the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) to be held in Morocco in 2025.
The central defender has already played for FC Rostov in Russia, Lazio in Italy, Al Ain FC and Al-Ahli Jeddah, both in Saudi Arabia. MC/DAN/AMP
