Botafogo go top of Copa Libertadores group

Guayaquil (Ecuador), April 21: Second-half substitute Sassa scored a late penalty to earn Brazil's Botafogo a 1-1 in their their group match of the Copa Libertadores football tournament against Barcelona Sports Club here.

Christian Aleman struck just after the half-hour mark for the Ecuadorian outfit, who looked to be in control before Yefferson Mena was dismissed after a second caution for a bad foul on Thursday night, reports Xinhua news agency.

Referee Jesus Valenzuela pointed to the spot two minutes from time after a Xavier Arreaga handball and Sassa, who was introduced in the 65th minute, coolly converted the penalty.

The result at the Monumental stadium lifted Botafogo to the top of Group A with seven points from three matches, ahead of Barcelona SC on goal difference.

In other matches on Thursday, Argentina's Godoy Cruz won 2-0 at home to Sport Boys Warnes of Peru, Brazil's Gremio drew 1-1 at Club Guarani of Paraguay and Independiente Medellin of Colombia won 2-0 at home to Melgar of Peru.