RIO DE JANEIRO, July 12 (Xinhua) -- Arthur Cabral and Nathan Fernandes scored second-half goals as reigning champion Botafogo eased to a 2-0 away win over Vasco da Gama in Brazil's Serie A on Saturday.

Cabral opened the scoring just after halftime when he fired home from close range after Leo Jardim parried away Alvaro Montoro's effort from 12 yards.

Substitute Nathan Fernandes doubled the lead by volleying in from inside the six-yard box following Marlon Freitas' cross from the right.

Botafogo has now won three straight league matches, rising to sixth in the 20-team standings, eight points ahead of 14th-placed Vasco.

The victory marked an ideal start for Davide Ancelotti, son of Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who replaced Renato Paiva as Botafogo manager earlier in the week.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Flamengo won 2-0 at home to Sao Paulo, Internacional secured a 1-0 home win over Vitoria and Bahia beat Atletico Mineiro 2-1 at home. ■