RIO DE JANEIRO, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Tiquinho Soares converted a second-half penalty as Botafogo extended their lead at the top of Brazil's Serie A standings on Thursday with a 1-0 away win over Cuiaba.
Soares put the visitors ahead just after the hour, after Luis Henrique was brought down by goalkeeper Walter Artune.
The hosts controlled most of the possession and had 23 shots on goal to Botafogo's five, but they were unable to capitalize on their chances as the Rio de Janeiro outfit registered their ninth win in 11 games.
Luis Castro's men are now five points clear of second-placed Palmeiras, while Cuiaba are 16th in the 20-team standings with just three wins so far.
In Porto Alegre, former Liverpool and Barcelona striker Luis Suarez was on the scoresheet as Gremio eased to a 3-1 home victory over America Mineiro.
Mathias Villasanti was on target for the hosts, who also got an own goal from Matheus Cavichioli, while Danilo Avelar scored for America.
The visitors were forced to play most of the match with only 10 men after Eder was shown a second yellow card for a bad challenge in the 35th minute.
Gremio are now third with 20 points, 12 points ahead of 18th-placed America Mineiro.
Elsewhere on Thursday, Goias won 1-0 at Vasco da Gama, Internacional prevailed 1-0 at Coritiba, and Bragantino cruised to a 4-0 home win over Flamengo. ■
