América de Cali secured an important 1-0 victory on Tuesday against Bahía at the Pascual Guerrero Stadium, sealing their qualification for the Copa Sudamericana Round of 16, where they will face Fluminense. The decisive goal was scored by Venezuelan Jhon Murillo, who took advantage of a defensive error to make the difference in a closely contested match.

After a goalless draw in the first leg played in Salvador, the Cali side managed the pace at home and capitalized on their best opportunity in the first half. In the 28th minute, a poor pass from Argentine defender Santiago Ramos Mingo to his goalkeeper Marcos Felipe ended up at Murillo’s feet, who finished first-time and found the back of the net.

América beats Bahía and will face Fluminense in the Sudamericana Round of 16

Following the goal, the team coached by Argentine Diego Gabriel Raimondi showed defensive solidity and smart game management to hold the lead. With a backline led by Daniel Bocanegra and Jean Carlos Pestaña, the Colombian team neutralized the Brazilian side’s attack, which struggled to create clear chances.

In the second half, coach Rogério Ceni looked for impact substitutes, bringing on Iago and Willian José, but Bahía barely threatened goalkeeper Jorge Soto. Their best chance came in the 73rd minute when Kayky fired from inside the box, but his shot went over the bar.

América also threatened on the counterattack. Cristian Barrios and Sebastián Navarro had chances to extend the lead, but couldn’t convert. In stoppage time, Dylan Borrero delivered a perfect cross that Yojan Garcés, who had just come on, headed in to seal the win and spark celebrations in the stadium.

This victory not only secures América’s spot in the next round but also marks the first win for Raimondi as head coach, after two draws since replacing Uruguayan Jorge ‘Polilla’ Da Silva.

Now, a bigger challenge awaits: facing continental giant Fluminense, reigning Copa Libertadores champions, in a clash that promises plenty of excitement and will test the Cali squad to the fullest.