The posed photograph of Bonsucesso Futebol Clube highlighted here is from the year 1965. Let’s recount a bit of the stor...y behind this image.
On Saturday, November 27, 1965, Bonsucesso faced Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas in the 4th round of the second stage of that year’s Campeonato Carioca. On the eve of the match, ticket prices were announced, with military personnel entitled to half-price admission: Grandstands – Cr$ 600.00, General Admission – Cr$ 200.00.
For Botafogo, coach Daniel Pinto was unable to count on midfielder Gérson ("Canhotinha de Ouro"), who was sidelined with a knee injury. Elton took his place. Meanwhile, Bonsucesso’s Football Director, Mr. Rubens Araújo Reis, promised a bonus of Cr$ 150,000 (potentially rising to Cr$ 200,000) in case of victory. After Friday’s training session (11/26/65), the players headed to Hotel Nice in downtown Rio, where they spent the night before traveling to Maracanã on match day.
Bonsucesso’s coach, Alfinete, was confident in the team’s chances:
"The team is in good physical and technical condition and, for that reason, has a great chance of earning a well-deserved victory over Botafogo," Alfinete stated.
The Match
The game at Maracanã ended in a 1-1 draw—a result that practically ended Botafogo’s chances of fighting for the Campeonato Carioca title. For Bonsucesso, however, the point was valuable in climbing the standings.
Botafogo’s Goal
Botafogo took the lead in the 11th minute. Jairzinho dribbled past two defenders, reached the end line, and crossed into the box for Humberto and Artur, who were unmarked. Bonsucesso’s full-back Marcelo, covering for center-back Nogueira, attempted to clear Jairzinho’s cross but inadvertently headed the ball into his own net. Goalkeeper Jonas dived but collided with the post, unable to prevent the own goal in favor of Botafogo.
Despite the early setback, Bonsucesso controlled the game, dictating the pace and creating chances to equalize—Escurinho and Adauri both coming close. The first half ended with Botafogo leading 1-0.
At the start of the second half, within 30 seconds, Bonsucesso nearly equalized when Gilbert found himself in front of goal but sent his shot wide. Bonsucesso continued to dominate the game, pressing forward and utilizing their wingers effectively.
Bonsucesso’s Goal
In the 13th minute, the ball found Gilbert, who delivered a precise cross into the box. Sabará rose between defenders Zé Carlos and Paulistinha and powered a header past goalkeeper Manga, who could only watch as the ball hit the back of the net.
At full-time, Jornal dos Sports deemed the draw an unfair result, as Bonsucesso had deserved to win based on their performance.
Jornal dos Sports 
Bonsucesso FC
