Chile forward Alexis Sanchez continued his resurgent form at the Copa America in Brazil by scoring the winning goal in his side’s 2-1 victory over Ecuador on Friday.
The win fired the holders into the quarter-finals of the competition. Chile took the lead in the eighth minute when Jose Fuenzalida volleyed into the net. But Ecuador were awarded a penalty kick when goalkeeper Gabriel Arias clattered Jhegson Mendez, allowing Enner Valencia to level from the spot in the 26th minute.
Sanchez, who had ended a barren five-month spell by scoring in Monday’s 4-0 win against Japan, put Chile ahead early in the second half. He did so by expertly guiding a bouncing cross into the net with one touch. Ecuador rarely threatened again and saw defender Gabriel Achilier receive a straight red card in stoppage time for a rash tackle on Arturo Vidal, who had to be taken off. Chile,
Copa America champions in 2015 and 2016, lead Group C on six points. Uruguay are second on four with Japan third on one and Ecuador bottom with no points.
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