AD Confiança bounced back from a difficult run of form to secure a 2–1 victory over Maranhão in the Brazilian Serie C on May 19, 2026, with a late goal securing the three points.

Playing at the Estádio Lourival Baptista, Confiança controlled much of the first half but had to withstand an early Maranhão strike. The home side equalised before the break and then delivered the winner in the second half to delight the home fans.

Maranhão Strike First

Maranhão took the lead against the run of play in the 12th minute. A swift counter-attack caught the Confiança defence out of position, and the visitors finished clinically to go 1–0 up. The goal sparked Confiança into life, and they began to dominate possession.

Confiança Equalise and Take Control

AD Confiança pushed forward relentlessly and finally got their reward just before half-time. A well-struck volley from the edge of the box levelled the scores at 1–1. The goal gave the home side the momentum heading into the interval.

Second-Half Decider

The second half was a tense affair, with both sides creating chances. Confiança continued to press and eventually broke the deadlock in the 70th minute. A set-piece delivery was met by a powerful header, giving the home side a 2–1 lead. Maranhão pushed for an equaliser in the final 20 minutes but could not find a way past the Confiança goalkeeper.

Impact in Serie C

The win is crucial for AD Confiança as they look to climb out of the lower half of the Brazilian Serie C table. Maranhão, meanwhile, will feel disappointed not to have held onto their early lead, and they remain in a precarious position near the relegation zone.