Milan target Dede scores late winner for Vasco

Rio de Janeiro, March 3 (IANS): AC Milan target Dede struck an 86th-minute winner as Vasco da Gama claimed a berth in the final of Brazil’s Guanabara Cup with a 3-2 victory over Fluminense.

Fluminense appeared set for victory when Wellington Nem and Thiago Neves scored two second-half goals in as many minutes after Bernardo’s opener at Rio’s Engenhao stadium Saturday, reports Xinhua.

But a Romario header followed by Dede’s close-range finish after a precise Carlos Alberto cross ensured Vasco their fifth win from eight games in the competition.

“People said we were the fourth best side in Rio but we are showing that we can now be the No.1 team,” central defender Dede said after the match.

Vasco will meet the winner of Sunday’s clash between Flamengo and Botafogo in the final of the Rio de Janeiro state tournament March 10.