Tombense emerged victorious from a back-and-forth encounter, beating Avaí FC 3-2 in the Copa Sul-Sudeste on March 26, 2026. In a match filled with momentum shifts, the home side showed great character to ultimately claim the win and advance in the regional cup competition. Tombense took an early lead, but Avaí FC responded with two quick goals to turn the game on its head before halftime. The second half saw Tombense increase their intensity, and they were rewarded with an equalizer from a corner kick. The decisive moment came in the final ten minutes, as Tombense completed their comeback with a powerful header to seal a dramatic 3-2 result. The key incident was Avaí FC's inability to defend set-pieces, conceding twice from dead-ball situations. This victory is significant for Tombense's cup run, providing momentum and a place in the next round, while Avaí FC are eliminated. The Tombense manager praised his team's belief, and the Avaí FC coach lamented his side's collapse from a winning position. The starting lineups featured a mix of youth and experience, with Tombense's substitutes making a telling impact in the second half to change the game.