Brazil’s women’s U-17 national team secured the South American championship on Saturday, defeating Argentina 3-2 in the final. Goals from Gamonal, Helena, and Nicolly at the Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asunción, Paraguay, sealed the victory. With this triumph, Brazil becomes the tournament’s all-time leader with six titles in ten editions.
Argentina took an early lead just three minutes into the match. Torre carried the ball through midfield and slipped a through ball to Mercedes Diz, who advanced freely into the box and scored. Brazil equalized in the 29th minute through a São Paulo duo: Gigi passed to Gamonal, who dribbled past several defenders in the area and slotted a low shot into the corner.
In first-half stoppage time, Nicolly (from Flamengo) was pulled down by Torre, and the referee awarded a penalty. Helena (also of São Paulo) converted to flip the match. Brazil added a third before the break: Helena carried through the middle, Letícia Pinho (also of the Rio club) provided the assist, and Nicolly rounded the goalkeeper to finish.
In the 16th minute of the second half, Galarza pounced on a loose ball in the area following a free kick and pulled one back for Argentina.
Under head coach Rilany Silva, Brazil delivered a consistently strong campaign. In the group stage, they topped Group B and were the only team in the tournament to win every match. They then eliminated Chile on penalties (5-3) in the semifinals after a 2-2 draw in regular time.
The semifinal win not only secured a spot in the final but also qualified Brazil for the U-17 Women’s World Cup, to be held in Morocco in October.
Brazil’s women’s U-17 team also has three runner-up finishes, including the 2024 South American championship won by Paraguay.
