Edilson struck early in the second half to earn Botafogo a 1-1 draw against Rio de Janeiro rivals Flamengo in their Copa do Brasil quarterfinal first leg here.

 

 Former Arsenal defender Andre Santos gave the 'Rubro-Negro' the lead in the opening minutes at the Maracana stadium Wednesday when he headed in after Paulinho's pull-back from a Joao Paulo cross, reports Xinhua.

 

 Edilson's equaliser came when his angled drive deflected in off teenage defender Samir.

 

 The second leg will be played at the Maracana next Wednesday.

 

 Meanwhile, Corinthians drew 0-0 with Gremio and Goias beat Vasco da Gama 2-1. Internacional will host Atletico Paranaense in the other quarterfinal first leg Thursday.

 

 The winner of the Copa do Brasil earns an automatic berth in next year's Copa Libertadores, South America's elite club competition.

 

IANS