Brazilian Serie C – Group B

Botafogo PB Come From Behind to Beat Maringa FC 2-1

A spirited second‑half performance propelled Botafogo da Paraíba to a 2-1 victory over Maringa FC on May 31, 2026, at the Estádio Almeidão in João Pessoa. The home side overturned a first‑half deficit with two quick‑fire goals after the interval, strengthening their bid for a place in the Serie C knockout stage.

Match Overview

Maringa took a surprise lead in the 34th minute when striker Lucas Vinícius latched onto a through ball and slotted past goalkeeper João Neto. Botafogo PB struggled to find rhythm in the first half, with Maringa’s midfield pressing effectively. However, the hosts came out with renewed energy after the break.

Botafogo leveled in the 58th minute when midfielder Felipe Alves fired a low drive from the edge of the area that deflected off a Maringa defender and into the net. Just six minutes later, 19‑year‑old winger Gustavo Henrique curled a brilliant free kick into the top corner, completing the turnaround. Maringa pushed for an equalizer but could not break through a resolute Botafogo defense.

Key Moments

• 34' Goal – Maringa FC 1-0: Lucas Vinícius finishes a counter‑attack with a calm one‑on‑one.
• 58' Goal – Botafogo PB 1-1: Felipe Alves’ shot takes a deflection to wrong‑foot the keeper.
• 64' Goal – Botafogo PB 2-1: Gustavo Henrique’s spectacular free kick gives the home side the lead.
• 80' Save: João Neto denies a powerful header from Maringa’s center‑back, keeping his team ahead.

Tactical Story

Botafogo PB coach William Araújo made tactical adjustments at half‑time, switching from a 4-2-3-1 to a more aggressive 4-3-3. The change allowed Felipe Alves more freedom to roam, and his goal‑scoring run was the catalyst. Maringa, who had defended well in the first half, were caught off guard by Botafogo’s increased intensity and direct play. The free kick goal highlighted the technical quality of Botafogo’s young winger.

Standout Players

• Gustavo Henrique (Botafogo PB): The substitute winger changed the game with a sublime free kick and constant dribbling.
• Felipe Alves (Botafogo PB): Scored the equalizer and provided energy in midfield.
• Lucas Vinícius (Maringa FC): His clinical finish gave Maringa hope, but his team’s second‑half collapse let him down.

Table Impact

With the win, Botafogo PB move to 12 points in Group B, sitting in third place. Maringa remain on 7 points, now in seventh. The result tightens the race for the top four spots as the season approaches its halfway point.

Photo: Divulgação / Botafogo PB Official