Photo: Collected
Colo-Colo have sealed the Chilean domestic league title with a 2-1 win over Ñublense. It is goalkeeper Vozinha’s first title with the club, and he has dedicated the joy to his homeland Cape Verde and his family. He also delivered an emotional message after the win.
Colo-Colo earned a dramatic away win on Sunday. In the 14th minute, veteran midfielder Arturo Vidal put the side ahead with a volley from a Víctor Méndez corner. Ñublense drew level in the 29th minute through a Lucas Molina goal.
The winning goal came right at the end. In added time, Marcos Bolados put the ball into the net from a Javier Correa cutback. Then, in the 97th minute, Vozinha made a crucial save to secure the three points for his side.
Colo-Colo have clinched the title on 61 points with three matches still in hand. Second-placed Universidad de Chile have 51 points. Ten points clear, this is the club’s 35th league title.
Explaining what the title means, Vozinha said, ‘This is the culmination of everything I have experienced in my life and in my career.’
Asked whether he would stay at Colo-Colo to play in the Copa Libertadores next season, he replied, ‘Today is a day for celebration. We will talk about the future later. This title is for my whole family and for Cape Verde.’
Vozinha drew attention worldwide with his outstanding performances for Cape Verde at the 2026 World Cup. Following that success, Colo-Colo signed him between late July and early August. He initially signed a six-month deal until December 2026, but there is an option to extend it by another year. If that happens, the goalkeeper could stay at the club until the end of 2027.
Vozinha started three consecutive matches towards the end of the league, and his performances also eased the path to the title. The club’s management will discuss his future before the team enters continental competition next season.
Of the remaining three matches, Colo-Colo will play two at home, against Universidad Católica and La Serena. The final match is away at Cobresal. Once the fixtures are over, the club’s management will sit down with Vozinha and take a final decision on his future.
Background
According to a report by the news agency AP, 40-year-old Vozinha came into the spotlight at the World Cup with a string of excellent saves against Spain and Argentina; Cape Verde went out in the round of 32 after losing 3-2 to Argentina in extra time, the Jamaica Gleaner published the report on 25 July.
According to a Reuters report of 5 August, at their debut World Cup Cape Verde finished second in Group H after a goalless draw with Spain as well as draws with Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
Sources
Original report: Ajker Patrika
Background sources: Jamaica Gleaner (AP), 25 July 2026; RTV21 (Reuters), 5 August 2026
