Flamengo’s under-20 women’s team is set to commence their campaign in the Carioca Women’s Championship with a match against Real Heips on Monday, August 26, at the Gávea. The match is scheduled to kick off at 2:45 PM local time, with live coverage provided by FlaTV.
Following a strong performance as semifinalists in the Campeonato Brasileiro, Flamengo’s Sub-20 squad will be looking to make their mark in another significant competition this season. The Carioca Championship, which retained a similar format to the 2023 Copa Rio, features a points-based system in the preliminary round. A notable change for 2024 is the transition from a single-match final to a two-legged final between the top two teams.
In addition to Real Heips, Flamengo will face off against other prominent teams including Americano, Botafogo, Fluminense, and Serrano. This diverse lineup promises an exciting and challenging tournament for the young Rubro-Negro squad.
Since their quarter-final clash against São Paulo in July, there has been a notable change in the team’s management. Filipe Torres, who previously led the Sub-17 team to a Copa Rio title and finished as a vice-champion in the Brazilian league last year, has taken over from Felipe Freitas. Torres will be at the helm for Flamengo’s opening match of the season.
“We aim to start off on the right foot,” said Torres. “We respect our opponents and are eager to put into practice what we’ve trained over the past week. The anticipation is high, especially since it’s our home debut. I am excited and motivated by this challenge. Our goal for the competition is to win the title, and I am confident that we will represent Flamengo very well.”
As Flamengo embarks on their journey in the Carioca Championship, the team’s preparation and the new coaching leadership are expected to play pivotal roles in their pursuit of success. The opening match against Real Heips will be a critical test as the team looks to build momentum and make a strong statement in the competition.