Peru, Ecuador battle to thrilling draw in second Group B game

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:58 am

Christian Cueva, far right, scored a sensational goal in the fifth minute.
Christian Cueva, far right, scored a sensational goal in the fifth minute.
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Peru and Ecuador fought to a 2-2 draw in their second Group B at the Copa America Centenario on Wednesday.

Peru put their fellow South Americans on the ropes early with sensational goals from Christian Cueva and Edison Flores within the first 14 minutes.

But Ecuador fought back into the game and pulled a goal back through Enner Valencia six minutes before the break -- his trap and shot beating Pedro Gallese from close range.

They secured their equaliser 14 minutes into the second half -- Jefferson Montero found a wide open Miller Bolanos, who tapped into an empty net.

Gabriel Achilier was issued a second yellow in second-half stoppage time, ruling him out for Ecuador's Group B finale.

Peru, on four points, will finish group play against Brazil on Sunday, while Ecuador, also on four points, will face already-eliminated Haiti on the same day.