Advertisement
Cape Verde’s legendary keeper Vozinha makes debut in Chile after World Cup breakthrough
27th August, 2026 07:09 AM
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has finally pulled on a Colo-Colo shirt for the first time, making his long-awaited debut for the Chilean giants in a Copa Chile encounter against Unión Española on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
With goals from Maxi Romero, Marcos Bolados, and Felipe Raipán, Colo-Colo defeated Unión Española 3-0 in the sixth matchday of the group stage of the Chile Cup.
The 40-year-old, whose full name is Josimar Évora Dias, joined Colo-Colo after gaining international recognition during Cape Verde’s historic World Cup campaign. The veteran shot-stopper arrived in Chile on August 2, 2026, several days after the club confirmed his signing on July 24, 2026.
His move was delayed by documentation complications and personal issues, resulting in three postponed arrival dates and creating uncertainty among supporters and officials.
Once he reached South America, however, Vozinha quickly linked up with his new teammates in training. Colo-Colo currently sit at the top of the domestic standings with a 13-point advantage over Universidad de Chile.
Before Wednesday’s match, Vozinha had already been included in the squad for three fixtures. One of those was the previous Sunday’s “Superclásico” against Universidad de Chile at the National Stadium, although he watched that contest from the substitutes’ bench.
The Cape Verde international faces a battle to establish himself as Colo-Colo’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Regular No. 1 Fernando De Paul is currently sidelined with an injury, while 19-year-old academy graduate Gabriel Maureira has taken advantage of the opportunity and secured the starting position.
Maureira also impressed during the “Superclásico”, strengthening his case to remain between the posts.
Coach Fernando Ortiz has previously stressed that Vozinha will not automatically walk into the starting lineup simply because of his reputation and international experience.
“It’s going to be a great competition between Vozinha, Gabriel, and the others who are here,” Ortiz said before Vozinha arrived. “A big name won’t change my way of thinking; whoever deserves to play will play.”
Vozinha moved to Colo-Colo after completing his spell with Portuguese second-tier side Chaves. His arrival in Chile followed an impressive World Cup showing in which he emerged as one of Cape Verde’s standout performers.
The goalkeeper played a major role in his country’s historic tournament debut, producing important saves against some of the competition’s biggest teams, including Uruguay, eventual champions Spain and Argentina.
Cape Verde’s memorable run ultimately ended against Argentina in the round of 32, but Vozinha’s displays helped make him one of the tournament’s most recognizable personalities.
His first appearance for Colo-Colo now marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career, with the experienced goalkeeper looking to earn his place in a highly competitive squad.
