RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Vasco da Gama kept alive their hopes of a berth in next year's Copa Libertadores with a 1-0 home victory over Cuiaba in Brazil's Serie A championship on Thursday.
Hugo Moura broke the deadlock just after halftime with a first-time effort from 12 yards after a scramble inside the penalty area.
The hosts survived a tense finale to secure their 11th win of the campaign.
Vasco are now 10th in the 20-team standings with 40 points from 30 outings, nine points adrift of the Copa Libertadores' automatic qualification places with eight games remaining in the season.
Cuiaba remain entrenched in the relegation zone with 27 points.
"This victory is for our fans who have given us maximum support," Moura told reporters after the match. "I was in the right place at the right time. I saw the ball roll free, and I was able to score."
Vasco will host Bahia in their next match on Monday, while Cuiaba are due to meet Corinthians the same day. ■
