Cameroonian striker stars with stunner and assist in Palmeiras U20 win | OneFootball

Palmeiras U-20 beat Referência 2-0 this Friday (21) at Hermínio Espósito Stadium in Embu das Artes, in the 13th round of the Paulista Championship for the age group. The standout player of the match was Miguel Bilong, the Cameroonian forward who was directly involved in both of Verdão’s goals.

Bilong involved in both goals

The striker paved the way for the win in the 28th minute of the first half. Bilong surged down the left, dribbled past the goalkeeper, and found Luis Saboia, who tapped the ball into the back of the net to give Palmeiras the lead.

Shortly after, in the 35th minute, the Cameroonian stepped up again. After collecting a loose ball outside the box, Bilong unleashed a powerful shot and scored a stunning goal, netting his first goal in an official match for Palmeiras.

Palmeiras move up to 29 points

With the result, Palmeiras reached 29 points and remain in second place in Group 03 of the Paulista U-20 Championship. Already qualified for the second phase, Verdão have recorded nine wins, two draws, and just one defeat in 12 matches played.

The team coached by André Mello have scored 24 goals and conceded only six in the state competition. Luis Saboia, Antônio Marcos, João Mendonça, and Juan Gabriel share Palmeiras’ scoring lead in the tournament, with four goals each.

Focus now on the Brazilian U-20 final

The match against Referência was Palmeiras’ last commitment before the Brazilian U-20 Championship final. Next Friday (28), at 6 p.m. Brasília time, Verdão will face Vasco at São Januário Stadium in Rio de Janeiro in the first leg of the final.

Having had a better campaign than their opponent, Palmeiras will have the right to play the decisive match at home.

Verdão chasing another youth title

After the Brazilian U-20 final, Palmeiras will turn their attention back to the Paulista Championship. Their next state match will be against Água Santa on August 8 at 3 p.m. at Distrital do Inamar Stadium in Diadema.

Verdão are chasing their 13th state title in the age group. Their last triumph came in 2023, when the Academy Boys beat São Paulo in both legs of the final. Last season, Palmeiras were eliminated in the semifinals.

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