Campeonato Carioca minnows Bangu held a much-changed Botafogo side to a hard-fought draw in the Estádio de Moça Bonita on Saturday afternoon.
In a tight first-half, it was actually Bangu who had the better of the opportunities as Botafogo struggled for fluidity in the absence of creative trio of Andrezinho, Elkeson and Maicosuel.
At the break, the Botafogo fans were delighted to see the introduction of fan favourite Jobson after a six-month ban for a positive drugs test and the striker made an immediate impact.
Despite Jobson’s movement creating opportunities, it was actually fellow substitute Cidinho who made the breakthrough, getting forward from midfield to turn home Jobson’s assist.
Almost immediately though, Bangu were level. Former-Botafogo player Almir capitalised on Bota’s lack of concentration after the goal to score within seconds of the restart.
Botafogo pushed late on for an equaliser, but the Bangu defense held firm until the end to secure their valuable point.
BANGU: Willian Alves; China (Gedeílson), Raphael, Santiago, Renan Oliveira; Oliveira, André Barreto, Thiago Galhardo (Luciano), Almir (Gabriel Galhardo); Fabinho, Sérgio Júnior
Coach: Cleimar Rocha
BOTAFOGO: Jefferson; Lucas, Antônio Carlos, Fábio Ferreira, Márcio Azevedo; Lucas Zen, Renato; Caio (Cidinho), Herrera, Felipe Menezes (Jeferson Paulista); Loco Abreu (Jobson)
Coach: Oswaldo de Oliveira
