Flamengo Maricá reach Copa do Brasil Feminina final with 3-2 victory over Bahia

Flamengo Maricá have secured their place in the Copa do Brasil Feminina final. On a night of high drama at Estádio Luso-Brasileiro on Saturday (7), the Meninas da Gávea claimed a 3-2 victory over Bahia to earn a spot in the competition's decisive match. Núbia, Fernanda and Sandoval were among the goalscorers in a game notable for a stunning strike, resilience and determined play.

Following a goalless draw in the opening leg in Salvador, the Rubro-Negro needed to prevail to keep their title hopes alive. That is exactly what they achieved. With a strong collective performance, particularly in the second half, Celso Silva's side booked their place in the final.

The match

The first half began competitively, with both sides seeking space and attempting to control proceedings. It was Flamengo, however, who produced the night's most spectacular moment.

In a moment of rare brilliance, defender Núbia caught everyone off guard by attempting a strike from midfield. The ball sailed over the opposing goalkeeper and settled in the back of the net. A truly stunning goal, the sort that lingers in the memory. The kind of strike that even Pelé attempted but never managed to score.

The Rubro-Negro's advantage, though, did not survive until half-time. In the closing stages of the first period, Fernanda conceded a penalty, which was converted by Cássia, levelling the scoreline.

After the restart, Flamengo demonstrated their strength. More aggressive and with greater attacking threat, the Meninas da Gávea took control of the game and pressed Bahia in search of a second goal.

It was Fernanda again who stepped forward to restore the Rubro-Negro's advantage. Following a rebound off the goalkeeper, the forward seized the opportunity and found the net, recovering from the incident that had led to Bahia's equaliser. A goal born from determination and resilience.

With Flamengo's dominance evident in the second half, a third arrived through Sandoval. The forward, who had come on during the match after an extended absence from the pitch, showed opportunism and quality with a finish into the corner, extending the Rubro-Negro's lead.

Bahia managed to reduce the deficit late on through Ellen, but it proved insufficient to overturn the Flamengo celebrations at the Luso-Brasileiro.

Another standout performer on the night was midfielder Kaylane. Displaying personality, technical quality and constant movement, the academy talent played a key role in the Rubro-Negro's progression.

Emotion and resilience

The Rubro-Negro's third goal carried special significance for Sandoval. After an extended spell away from competitive football, the forward marked a crucial moment in the season by finding the net once more.

"Flamengo believed in me and I was able to repay them with the goal. I am very, very happy," Sandoval said.

Fernanda also spoke to the importance of qualification and her own recovery during the fixture.

"I have been through difficult moments recently. In this match, I was able to bounce back—it was down to character. This is Flamengo," the forward stated.

Toward the final

With the 3-2 victory, Flamengo have confirmed their presence in the Copa do Brasil Feminina final and remain determined in their pursuit of another title for the club's history.

In the final, the Meninas da Gávea will face the winner of the match between Internacional and Red Bull Bragantino. The final will be contested over two legs, next week on Wednesday (11) and Sunday (15). The Rubro-Negro now focus their attention on the final two challenges in their bid for national silverware.

Flamengo lineup

Vivi Holzel; Monalisa (Sofia), Flávia, Núbia and Jucinara; Ju Ferreira, Kaylane and Mariana (Emilly); Fernanda (Fabi Simões), Laysa (Letícia) and Cristiane (Sandoval).

Manager: Celso Silva.

Match details

Flamengo 3-2 Bahia - Copa do Brasil Feminina | Semi-final | Second leg

Venue: Estádio Luso-Brasileiro, RJ

Date and time: 7 November 2026, 9.30pm BRT

Yellow cards: Monalisa (FLA), Sofia (FLA), Mariana (FLA), Cristiane (FLA), Aila (BAH) and Maia (BAH)

Goals: Núbia (3'/1st half), Cássia (36'/1st half), Fernanda (3'/2nd half), Sandoval (38'/2nd half) and Ellen (42'/2nd half).