Despite Ecuador's striker Enner Valencia being sent off after 22 minutes, the team took the lead in the 40th minute against Venezuela in the first group stage match of the South American Championships, Copa América.
In the second half, Venezuela, ranked 54th in the world, managed to recover and score both 1–1 and 2–1.
In tonight's other match, Mexico defeated Jamaica 1–0.
In this year's edition of the tournament, six countries from Concacaf (the North and Central American and Caribbean Football Federation) are also participating as part of a deepened cooperation between the American continents. The hosting duties are being handled by the USA.
