Short-handed Ecuador stuns Colombia in Barranquilla for historic World Cup qualifier win

Playing with only 10 men for most of the game, Ecuador defeated Colombia on its home turf for the first time in 59 years Tuesday night. The game’s only goal was scored in the seventh minute by Tri-Color striker Enner Valencia.

Ecuador celebrates after Enner Valencia’s first half goal.

Colombia, the highest scoring offense in the South American qualifiers, missed numerous scoring opportunities to a stingy Ecuador defense, which has yielded the fewest goals in the qualifiers.

One of Colombia’s best opportunities resulted in the red card ejection of Ecuador’s Piero Hincapie who fouled Jaime Rodrigeuz just outside the goal box late in the first half. The game was delayed for eight minutes as Ecuador argued that the contact was incidental.

Ecuador adjusted its defense in the second half and repeatedly thwarted Colombian scoring attempts, with goalie Hernan Galindez making several key saves.

GOL de Ecuador.

0 – 1

Enner Valencia no perdona la mala salida de Luis Díaz. Gran quite gran corrida y gran definición.#colombiavsecuador #EliminatoriasSudamericanas pic.twitter.com/E0PPKMBBB2

— @UnEnzoMas (@UnEnzoMas) November 19, 2024

Following the game, Tri-Color coach Sebastián Beccacece said his team “reached deep” to secure the victory under adverse conditions, including the 90-degree Barranquilla heat. “We suffered in this game not only from the Hincapie ejection but from the intense heat and constant pressure from the Colombian side, but we persisted and we prevailed,” he said in post-game comments.

Ecuador is now in third place among South American teams heading into 2025 qualifiers and would be in second except for a three-point deduction for a roster violation prior to the 2022 World Cup. The top six teams in qualifier standings receive automatic berths to the 2026 World Cup.