June 22 (Reuters) - Venezuela struck twice in the space of 10 minutes in the second half to come from behind and earn a 2-1 victory over Ecuador in the Copa America on Saturday, getting their Group B campaign off to a winning start.
Ecuador vs. Venezuela | Group B | Copa América 2024 game highlights, recap
Ecuador played most of the match with 10 men after their captain Enner Valencia was sent off in the 22nd minute for a high boot, but Jeremy Sarmiento smashed home just before halftime to put them in front.
Ecuador's Enner Valencia receives a red after a review of this challenge in the box pic.twitter.com/E0oM8izRGw
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 22, 2024
10-MAN ECUADOR TAKES THE LEAD pic.twitter.com/UD1rZdPLc1
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 22, 2024
Both of Venezuela's goals came from substitutes, with Jhonder Cadiz pouncing on Salomon Rondon's cushioned layoff in the 64th minute following a quickly taken throw in to level the scores.
Eduard Bello sealed victory for Venezuela in the 74th minute, smashing home a rebound from close range after Rondon drew a sharp save from Ecuador keeper Alexander Dominguez.
THE LEVELER!
Jhonder Cádiz finds the equalizer for Venezuela! pic.twitter.com/iysFGukLuj— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 22, 2024
VENEZUELA TAKES THE LEAD!! pic.twitter.com/CZwSOsjAyh
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 22, 2024
(Reporting by Simon Jennings in Bengaluru; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)