RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- In his debut as a head coach, Bebeto and America fell to Madureira on Saturday by the score of 2-1.

    The game was the first match of the first half of the 2010 Rio de Janeiro state championship.

    After taking an early lead when Claudemir scored, Madureira's Marcelo Ramos and Eberson, respectively, scored in a come-from-behind victory. All three goals were scored in the first half of play.

    America, whose club manager is Romario, had the chance to tie the game in the second half. However, Pati's penalty kick was deflected by Madureira's goalkeeper, Renan.

    In the next round of play, America will travel to play Vasco daGama on January 20. Bebeto will look to win his first ever game asa head coach while Vasco attempts to continue the tournament undefeated.