Brazil fight back to beat Ecuador in U20 Women's opener | OneFootball

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

The Brazilian National Team debuted in the South American Women's U-20 Championship with a comeback victory, 3-2 over Ecuador, on Thursday night (5th), at Estadio Luis Alfonso Giagni, in the Paraguayan city of Villa Elisa. Strikers Carioca and Brendha scored for the Canarinho, and Ana Bia, in an improbable play in the final moments, secured the three points.

In the match, the Canarinho had to overcome the natural nerves of a debut and showed resilience to overturn the first-half deficit and deal with the emotional blow of being a player down at the end of the game.

The Match

Ecuador had a more promising start. Even before the first minute, goalkeeper Elu was called into action and made a great save from a shot by Ecuadorian number 9, Chuchiolo. At the ten-minute mark, the Brazilian keeper once again made the difference, this time stopping a shot from midfielder Guerra.

Brendha was moved by her goal against Ecuador in Brazil's debut at the South American Women's U-20 ChampionshipCredits: Staff Images / CBF

The game remained lukewarm, with many changes in ball possession and no team in control, until the 34th minute, when Kaylane tried her luck from outside the box and Ecuadorian Alcívar made the save. On the rebound, Dudinha, who had burst into the area at speed, hit the post.

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

The halftime talk with coach Camilla Orlando had an effect on the Brazilian team. Fourteen minutes into the second half, Gisele received a great pass from Dudinha on the right, beat the Ecuadorian defender for pace, and hit the post. Carioca, perfectly positioned as a striker, controlled the rebound and leveled the score, netting Brazil's first goal in this edition of the South American Championship.

Ana Bia secured Brazil's victory over Ecuador in their debut at the South American Women's U-20 ChampionshipCredits: Staff Images / CBF

The goal served as motivation for the team. Samara crossed to Brendha inside the box. The forward, tussling with two Ecuadorians, kept possession and fired a powerful shot to put Brazil ahead with ten minutes left in regulation time.

Near the 45-minute mark, Isa Nunes committed a penalty on Guerra and was sent off after receiving her second yellow card. Cazares sent Elu the wrong way and equalized.

Despite conceding, the victory went to Brazil. Ana Bia, from midfield, launched the ball into the box. The shot was powerful, the Ecuadorian goalkeeper mistimed her approach, and Brazil scored their third, sealing the 3-2 win.

Schedule

On Saturday (7th), the Canarinho face Bolivia at Estadio Luis Alfonso Giagni, at 6 p.m. (Brasília time), for the second round of the competition. In their debut, the Bolivians were defeated 2-0 by Peru.

Coach Camilla Orlando during Brazil's debut at the South American Women's U-20 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 named as a starter, player Maria Vitória was left out of the match after being bitten by an insect, which caused an allergic reaction. She received medical attention and, following the medical department's advice, was not fit to remain available to coach Camilla Orlando. Nayara replaced her.

Brazil's lineup for their debut at the 2026 South American Women's U-20 Championship, against EcuadorCredits: Staff Images / CBF

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