Rio de Janeiro: A Yerry Mina own goal on the 64th minute sunk all hopes for Colombia as they suffered a rare 1-2 loss at the hands of Peru in a Group A encounter of the Copa America 2021 on Monday. Earlier, in the same group, Ecuador conceded their lead twice to finish 2-2 against Venezuela.
Peru, who lost in the 2019 final of the tournament, won just two international games out of the 12 they have played since were not the favourites going into the match. However, despite missing some key players, World No. 27 Peru took the lead when Sergio Pena netted on the rebound in 17 minutes.
Miguel Borja equalised for Colombia eight minutes into the second half from the spot. However, an own goal by Everton defender Mina gifted Peru full three points for the first time in this edition.
Earlier the day, against Venezuela, Ecuador blew their lead twice to go home with just a point. Ayrton Preciado gave Ecuador the lead six minutes from the break. Venezuela restored parity from debutant Edson Castillo in 51 minutes via a header.
Gonzalo Plata, who came as a substitute put Ecuador ahead in 71 minutes. Just when it looked like Ecuador would go home with full points, Ronald Hernandez scored his maiden international goal in the stoppage time to earn a point for Venezuela.
Brazil remain static at the top of the table with six points followed by Colombia and Peru with four and three points respectively. Venezuela is left with two points while Ecuador is at the bottom with only one.
