Rio de Janeiro, April 30 (IANS) Two first-half goals by Uruguay international striker Loco Abreu helped Brazilian club Botafogo reach the Carioca Cup final with a 3-1 win over Vasco da Gama.
Abreu scored the opener at Rio’s Engenhao stadium when he tapped in Marcio Azevedo’s cross from close range after four minutes Sunday.
The Uruguayan doubled the lead in first-half injury time when he bundled in Fabio Ferreira’s header from an Elkeson free-kick.
Maicosuel appeared to put the game beyond doubt when his shot into the left corner gave Vasco da Gama keeper Fernando Prass no chance, Xinhua reported.
Substitute Carlos Alberto scored a consolation goal for Vasco in the 80th-minute.
After the match Abreu revealed he had been spurred on by the presence of his father in the stands.
“He has watched in person all of the championships that I’ve won in my career,” Abreu said.
“Today my teammates found me at the right time and I was able to make the most of my opportunities.”
Botafogo, yet to lose a match this season, will meet Fluminense in the final of the Carioca Cup at Rio’s Engenhao stadium next Sunday.
