Ecuador kept its hopes of qualifying for the Copa America quarterfinals alive with a 3-1 win over Jamaica in Las Vegas on Wednesday that left the ‘Reggae Boyz’ on the brink of elimination.
Ecuador went ahead in the 13th minute via a Jamaica own goal, when Piero Hincapie’s cross from the left was deflected off Kasey Palmer’s shin into the net.
The South Americans doubled the lead via a Kendry Paez penalty kick just before the interval after a handball by Gregory Leigh before Alan Minda killed off the contest in the 91st minute with a goal from a classic counter-attack.\
AS IT HAPPENED: Ecuador vs Jamaica HIGHLIGHTS
Jamaica halved the deficit shortly after halftime, scoring its first-ever Copa America goal following a corner. Ethan Pinnock’s effort was blocked by the Ecuador defence but the rebound fell to Michail Antonio, who rifled the ball into the net.
It thought it had earned a penalty in the 73rd minute when referee Cristian Garay was sent to the monitor to check for a possible handball by Alan Franco, but the referee decided not to award a spot kick.
The victory gave Ecuador its first points of the tournament, moving it level on three each with Mexico and Venezuela.
Jamaica lost its opener to Mexico and must now win its final group game against Venezuela to have any hope of advancing. It will be knocked out irrespective of that result if Mexico and Venezuela draw when they play later on Wednesday.
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