Midfielder Hercules struck a first-half winner as Fortaleza kept their title hopes alive with a 1-0 home victory over Cuiaba in Brazil's Serie A championship on Sunday.

Hercules put his side ahead on the stroke of halftime by volleying home from the edge of the six-yard box after latching onto a bungled defensive clearance.

The hosts defended solidly thereafter to secure their 16th win of the campaign at Estadio Castelao.

"The players can be proud of themselves because every time we receive a blow we react positively," Fortaleza manager Juan Vojvoda told a post-match news conference.

"We have shown great resilience this season and what impresses me is not just the number of points we have accumulated but the way we have carried ourselves."

The result leaves Fortaleza third in the 20-team standings with 55 points from 28 outings, two points behind leaders Botafogo.

In other Brazilian top-flight fixtures on Sunday, Juventude drew 1-1 at home to Atletico Mineiro, Sao Paulo won 3-1 at home to Corinthians, Atletico Goianiense secured a 1-0 home win over Fluminense, Vasco da Gama drew 1-1 at Cruzeiro, Internacional prevailed 3-1 at home to Vitoria, Bahia won 1-0 at home to Criciuma and Flamengo clinched a 1-0 home victory over Athletico Paranaense.

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