 In that year, the club joined the Campeonato Paulista Third Division, and competed in its first official matches.In 1990, Novorizontino reached the Campeonato Paulista final, against Bragantino, beating clubs like Palmeiras, Guarani and Portuguesa.The final, nicknamed
"caipira final" ("final caipira", in Portuguese language), after two draws, was won by Bragantino, due to Bragantino's better campaign.