Vozinha Makes Colo-Colo Debut With Clean Sheet in Copa Chile

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha finally made his long-awaited debut for Colo-Colo on Wednesday, keeping a clean sheet as the Chilean giants defeated Union Espanola 3-0 in the Copa Chile.

The 40-year-old, whose full name is Josimar Evora Dias, had arrived in Chile earlier this month after Colo-Colo announced his signing. His debut had been delayed by paperwork and personal matters, but he eventually took his place in goal for the final Group E match.

Vozinha had already been part of the squad for several matches, including the Superclasico against Universidad de Chile, but remained on the bench for that game. This time, coach Fernando Ortiz handed him his first start for the club.

The timing proved significant. Colo-Colo entered the match already assured of a place in the Copa Chile knockout stage, with the game serving as an opportunity for Vozinha to finally begin his competitive career in Chile.

The goalkeeper finished the night with a clean sheet as Colo-Colo secured a comfortable 3-0 victory and finished top of their group. Maximiliano Romero opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, while the Chilean side added two more goals to complete the win.

Vozinha was not seriously tested for long periods, but he produced several interventions when Union Espanola pushed forward in the second half. His performance was enough to give him a successful first outing and earn an ovation from the Colo-Colo supporters.

His arrival at Colo-Colo followed a memorable 2026 World Cup with Cape Verde. The veteran goalkeeper became one of the breakout figures of the tournament as Cape Verde reached the knockout stage in their first-ever World Cup appearance.

Cape Verde held Spain and Uruguay to draws in the group stage before being eliminated by Argentina in the round of 32. Vozinha's saves were central to the team's historic campaign and helped turn him into an international football sensation.

Colo-Colo had signed Vozinha on a six-month contract with an option to extend for another year. The club had initially faced uncertainty over his arrival, with delays keeping him away from the squad longer than expected.

His next challenge will be to establish himself as Colo-Colo's first-choice goalkeeper. Before his debut, 19-year-old academy product Gabriel Maureira had stepped in following an injury to regular goalkeeper Fernando De Paul and had impressed with his performances, meaning Vozinha is not guaranteed the starting position.

For now, however, the World Cup sensation has made the start he would have wanted: a first appearance, a victory and a clean sheet.