Even with a truckload of missed goals in the first half, Botafogo defeated March Star (BA) 1-0 this Wednesday (7/1), in Taubaté, remained 100% and is close to guaranteeing classification for the second phase of the São Paulo Cup.
Glorioso leads Group 22 with six points, against three from Taubaté and Águia de Marabá (see the rating at the end of the text). Fogão only needs a draw in the last round, against Taubaté, to guarantee their place without depending on another result and finish in the lead.
The game
Botafogo were vastly superior in the first half and could have gone into the break already with a rout, but wasted many chances. Elio Vinícius, Estrela de Março’s goalkeeper, was inspired and made at least three great saves, from shots by Arthur Izaque (Kadir’s replacement, who went to the professionals), Kauan Toledo and Kauã Cruz.
Arthur Izaque also wasted a great chance, in the ninth minute, almost under the crossbar. The black and white goal only came in the 21st minute: Cauã Zappelini received it at the edge of the area, advanced, passed three defenders and finished past the goalkeeper, scoring a beautiful goal and putting the score 1-0 (see the video below).
CAUÃ ZAPPELINI! 🌟⚽️
The 8️⃣ shirt of @base_botafogo opened the scoring in Taubaté with this beautiful goal! #VamosBOTAFOGO
📺 CazéTV pic.twitter.com/vg4vpCYbYc
— Botafogo FR (@Botafogo) January 8, 2026
Botafogo remained much superior in the match and at the end of the first half they had more chances to expand, with two headers: the first by Zappelini, after a cross from Kadu’s trivela, and the second by Justino, after a cross by Kauan Toledo, once again the team’s highlight.
In the second half, Botafogo reduced its offensive production a little, but also did not suffer any scares. The best black and white chance was in the 29th minute: Arthur Izaque received a gift from the PH defender, but finished over, completely free, from the penalty spot. In the end, three more points on the black and white account.
Botafogo’s next game
Botafogo faces Taubaté in the last round of Group 22 of the Copinha, next Saturday (10/1), at 7pm, at the Joaquinzão Stadium. A draw is enough to guarantee classification and first place.
TECHNICAL SHEET
MARCH STAR 0 X 1 BOTAFOGO
Stadium: Joaquim de Morais Filho
Date-Time: 7/1/2026 – 21h30
Arbitrator: Ronald Horns Araújo (SP)
Assistants: Maria Eduarda Silva Pires (SP) and Viviane Pereira Lopes (SP)
Yellow cards: Gabriel Carvalho (EMA); Caio Valle (BOT)
Red cards: –
Gol: Cauã Zappelini 21’/1ºT (0-1)
MARCH STAR: Elio Vinícius; Kaique Levi (Anthony 10’/2ºT), Aleck (Gabriel Saldanha – Interval), PH and Alexsandro; Jhon Marlley (Capela 25’/2ndQ), Pedro Guilherme (Nego 10’/2ndQ) and Gabriel Carvalho (Thailon 32’/2ndQ); Alisson, Raí and Dudu (Marcos Paulo 32’/2nd Q) – Coach: Júnior Nogueira.
BOTAFOGO: Cleber Lucas; Kadu (Gabriel Felipe – Interval), Danillo, Justino (Kauã Branco 25’/2ºT) and Kauã Cruz; Lucas Camilo (Gustavo Pereira 25’/2ºT), Cauã Zappelini (Bernardo Valim 16’/2ºT) and Caio Valle; Felipe Januário, Arthur Izaque (Matheus Fortunato 35’/2ºT) and Kauan Toledo (Matheusinho 25’/2ºT) – Coach: Rodrigo Bellão.
