Vozinha Shines in Winning Debut for Colo-Colo | Copa Chile
Cape Verdean international goalkeeper Josimar José Évora Dias, better known as Vozinha, made a flawless debut for Chilean giants Colo-Colo on Wednesday night, keeping a clean sheet in a commanding 3-0 victory over Unión Española in the Copa Chile.
Played before 20,000 fans at the National Stadium on a cold and rainy winter evening, the match marked the 40-year-old’s first appearance since his historic World Cup run. Despite some early nerves, Vozinha looked composed between the posts, delivering a reliable performance that secured Colo-Colo’s top spot in Group E and set up a round-of-16 clash against Audax Italiano.
A Long-Awaited Debut
Vozinha’s arrival in Santiago has been met with fanfare rarely seen for a veteran goalkeeper. After a standout World Cup performance where he led debutants Cape Verde against heavyweights Spain and Argentina, he became a social media sensation, gaining nearly 30 million Instagram followers and earning a spot in FIFA’s fan-voted “Best XI” of the tournament.
“I am very happy with my first game. It was a great feeling after so much time without playing,” Vozinha told the official broadcast following the win. He explained that his three-match wait on the bench—including missing the “Superclásico” against Universidad de Chile—was a necessary part of his recovery and conditioning after the World Cup.
The Battle for the Number One Spot
Despite his global fame, Vozinha faces stiff competition for the starting role. With regular starter Fernando De Paul sidelined by injury, 19-year-old academy product Gabriel Maureira has impressed, particularly during last Sunday’s derby. Colo-Colo head coach Fernando Ortiz has been clear that reputation alone won’t earn the veteran a permanent spot, stating that Vozinha must prove his worth on the pitch.
The Cape Verdean joined the club on a free transfer following his stint with Portuguese second-division side Chaves. He signed a six-month contract with an option to extend through 2027, reportedly earning $30,000 per month.
Eyes on the Double
Colo-Colo is currently enjoying a dominant season. In addition to their progress in the Copa Chile, they lead the domestic league by 13 points over rivals Universidad de Chile with only ten rounds remaining. Joining the “Cacique”—the only Chilean club to ever win the Copa Libertadores—marks the highest point in a journeyman career that has taken Vozinha through Angola, Moldova, Portugal, Cyprus, and Slovakia.
With his debut now successfully behind him, the veteran keeper looks to cement his legacy in South America by helping Colo-Colo secure both the league and cup titles.
Image: Pexels – Franco Monsalvo
