RIO DE JANEIRO, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Former Manchester United defender Alex Telles scored late as Botafogo edged toward the last 16 of the Copa do Brasil on Tuesday with a 1-0 home win over Chapecoense.
Telles broke the deadlock in the 91st minute at Rio's Olympic Stadium when he timed his run to perfection to meet Vitinho's cross with a header at the far post.
Chapecoense controlled just 31 percent of the possession and failed to register a shot on target.
After the match, Telles admitted it was the first headed goal of his professional career.
"My prime objective is always to defend but the opportunity came to get on the end of the cross and thankfully I was able to help the team with a goal," the 33-year-old said.
"This was an important victory but we know the job hasn't been done yet," the former Brazil international left-back added.
The result means Botafogo needs only to draw the return fixture on May 14 to progress to the next phase of the tournament.
Elsewhere in the Copa do Brasil on Tuesday, Gremio won 2-0 at home to Confianca and Sao Paulo edged to a 2-1 home victory over Juventude. ■
