Ecuador fightback thwarts Peru at Copa America

Glendale (United States) (AFP) – Ecuador frustrated Peru’s hopes of sealing their Copa America Centenario quarter-final berth, fighting back from two goals down to snatch a 2-2 draw.

A superb strike from West Ham’s Enner Valencia and a second half effort from Brazil-based midfielder Miller Bolanos on Wednesday completed a gutsy fightback for Ecuador who had earlier gone 2-0 down inside the first 13 minutes.

Peru, who had beaten Haiti in their opening Group B game on Saturday, appeared to be cruising into the last eight after the early efforts from Christian Cueva and Edison Flores.

But Ecuador’s fightback leaves Group B evenly poised heading into the final round of games.

Peru are level with Brazil on four points at the top of the standings but trail with a vastly inferior goal difference after the Brazilians’ 7-1 mauling of Haiti earlier Wednesday. 

Peru meet Brazil in their final group game on Sunday.

Ecuador meanwhile are third with two points from two games, and will look to rack up a big win against Haiti on Sunday in the hopes of forcing their way into the last eight.