Fluminense Win Copa Libertadores Final

By Sedara Philip

Brazilian side Fluminense are the new club champions of South America after beating Argentina’s Boca Juniors in a dramatic Copa Libertadores final on Saturday.

Fluminense prevailed 2-1 after extra time at the Maracana Stadium to win the tournament for the first time in their 121-year history.

Substitute John Kennedy scored what proved to be the winning goal in the ninth minute of extra time.

His wild celebrations earned him a second yellow card, meaning that Fluminense had to play for the remaining 20 minutes with 10 men.

Boca then also had a man sent off moments later when Frank Fabra was dismissed for slapping Nino.

German Cano had earlier fired Fluminense ahead in the 36th minute but right-back Luis Advincula leveled for Boca midway through the second half to force extra time.

Fluminense’s victory means that the last five editions of the Copa Libertadores have now all been won by a club from Brazil.

Six-time champions Boca last won the famous trophy in 2007.