John Kennedy, Fluminense’s only Xerém graduate v Independiente | OneFootball

Forward John Kennedy was the only Xerém academy graduate used by Fluminense in the 1-1 draw with Independiente Rivadavia in the Libertadores. Wearing the No. 9 shirt, he started the match on the bench and came on in the second half to score the goal that secured a point for Tricolor in Argentina.

Two other academy graduates were initially included in the squad for the match: Júlio Fidélis and Riquelme Felipe. However, both were cut from the final squad before kickoff, leaving John Kennedy as the only representative of the Moleques de Xerém available to coach Luis Zubeldía.

The forward came on in the 78th minute and needed little time to make the difference. Deep into stoppage time, in the 91st minute, John Kennedy found space well inside the box to score Fluminense’s equalizer against the Argentine side.

The goal kept Tricolor alive in the race for a place in the next round of the Libertadores and once again highlighted the forward’s ability to make an impact coming off the bench. In addition, the performance also underscored the recent prominence of the Xerém academy graduate, who has been important in decisive moments this season.

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