Strikers shine as Brazil rally to beat Ecuador in U20 opener

Dudinha, Gisele, Nayara, and Carioca celebrate Brazil’s goal in the debut of the South American U-20 Women’s ChampionshipCredits: Staff Images / CBF

The Brazilian National Team debuted in the South American U-20 Women’s Championship with a comeback victory, 2-1 over Ecuador, on Thursday night (5), at the Luis Alfonso Giagni Stadium, in the Paraguayan city of Villa Elisa. Forwards Carioca and Brendha scored for the Canarinha, and Ana Bia, in an improbable play in the final moments, secured the three points.

Advertisement

In the match, the Canarinha had to overcome the natural nervousness of a debut and showed resilience to overturn the adverse score from the first half and deal with the emotional blow of being one player down at the end of the game.

The Match

Ecuador had a more promising start to the match. Even before the first minute, goalkeeper Elu was tested and made a great save from a shot by Ecuadorian number 9, Chuchiolo. At ten minutes, the Brazilian goalkeeper again made a difference, this time from a shot by midfielder Guerra.

Brendha was emotional after scoring against Ecuador in Brazil’s debut in the South American U-20 Women’s ChampionshipCredits: Staff Images / CBF

Advertisement

The game remained lukewarm, with many changes in ball possession and no control from either team, until the 34th minute when Kaylane tried from outside the area, and Ecuadorian Alcívar saved. On the rebound, Dudinha, who attacked the area with speed, hit the post.

At the end of the first half, Ecuador opened the scoring with Vélez, who got ahead of Brazil’s defense and found the net.

The halftime talk with coach Camilla Orlando had an effect on the Brazilian National Team. At 14 minutes into the second half, Gisele received a great pass from Dudinha on the right, outran the Ecuadorian defender, and hit the post. On the rebound, Carioca, well-positioned as a forward, controlled and equalized, scoring Brazil’s first goal in this edition of the South American Championship.

Clarinha in action during the Brazilian National Team’s debut in the South American U-20 Women’s Championship against EcuadorCredits: Staff Images / CBF

Advertisement

The goal served as motivation for the team. Samara crossed to Brendha inside the area. The forward, contested by two Ecuadorians, kept possession and shot strongly to put Brazil ahead ten minutes before the end of regular time.

Near the 45-minute mark, Isa Nunes committed a penalty on Guerra and was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. Cazares displaced Elu and equalized. Despite the conceded goal, the victory remained with Brazil. Ana Bia, from midfield, launched into the area. The shot was powerful, the Ecuadorian goalkeeper mistimed the ball, and Brazil scored the third goal, setting the score at 3-2.

Schedule

On Saturday (7), the Canarinha faces Bolivia at the Luis Alfonso Giagni Stadium at 6 PM (Brasília time) for the second round of the competition. In their debut, the Bolivians were

Advertisement

Coach Camilla Orlando during the Brazilian National Team’s debut in the South American U-20 Women’s Championship against EcuadorCredits: Staff Images / CBF

Lineup

BRAZIL: Elu; Thay (Samara), Ana Bia, and Isa Nunes; Clarinha (Tainá), Kaylane, Nayara (Bianca), and Adrielly (Emilly); Dudinha (Brendha), Gisele, and Carioca. Coach – Camilla Orlando.

*Initially lined up as a starter, athlete Maria Vitória was left out of the match after suffering an insect bite that caused an allergic reaction. She received medical attention and, following the medical department’s advice, was not in a condition to be available to coach Camilla Orlando. Nayara replaced her.

Advertisement

Brazil’s lineup for the debut in the 2026 South American U-20 Women’s Championship against EcuadorCredits: Staff Images / CBF

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.