Copa América 2024: Ecuador Goes Off the Mark While Future Chelsea Player Scores Official Site The 2024 Copa América kicked off with a thrilling opening match in Guayaquil, Ecuador, as the host nation secured a 2-1 victory over Peru. Ecuador Off the Mark After a goalless first half, Ecuador broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute through Brighton & Hove Albion’s Jeremy Sarmiento. The winger pounced on a loose ball in the box and fired home from close range. Peru’s Response Peru responded well to the setback and equalized just 10 minutes later. LAFC forward Cristian Arango showed his class with a clever header that beat Ecuadorian goalkeeper Alexander Domínguez. Future Chelsea Star Shines With the match seemingly destined for a draw, Chelsea’s future signing, Andrey Santos, emerged as the match-winner. The Brazilian midfielder, who recently completed a move to Stamford Bridge, came off the bench in the 77th minute and made an immediate impact. In the 82nd minute, Santos received the ball on the edge of the area and unleashed a thunderous strike that flew into the top corner. The stunning goal gave Ecuador the lead once again, and they held on for a hard-fought victory. Santos’ Debut Santos’ goal marked an impressive debut for Chelsea. The 18-year-old demonstrated his excellent technique and composure under pressure. With his move to London confirmed, fans of the Blues will be eagerly anticipating more moments of brilliance from the rising star. Next Fixtures In the other Group A match, defending champions Argentina will face Jamaica at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Saturday, June 18. Ecuador will next face Paraguay on Thursday, June 22, while Peru will take on Argentina on Monday, June 26.Ecuador secured its first victory in the 2024 Copa América with a 3-1 triumph over Jamaica, led by Moisés Caicedo and future Chelsea star Kendry Páez.Ecuador secured its first victory in the 2024 Copa América with a 3-1 triumph over Jamaica, led by Moisés Caicedo and future Chelsea star Kendry Páez. Páez, who will join the Blues in May, scored Ecuador’s second goal via a penalty, becoming the tournament’s youngest scorer in 25 years. He celebrated with Cole Palmer’s signature “cold” celebration. After Jamaica’s Michail Antonio equalized, Ecuador sealed the victory in injury time through Alan Minda. Caicedo played the full 90 minutes for Ecuador, who now sit second in Group B. They will face Mexico on Sunday, with the winner securing a spot in the quarter-finals.Ecuador got off to a disappointing start in the Copa América 2024, losing 1-0 to Colombia in their opening match. The only goal of the game came in the second half when Luis Díaz scored a stunning goal from outside the box. Despite having the majority of possession, Ecuador was unable to create many clear-cut chances, and they ultimately paid the price for their profligacy in front of goal. The result leaves Ecuador bottom of Group A, and they will need to improve significantly if they are to have any chance of qualifying for the knockout stages. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s future signing Andrey Santos scored the winning goal as Brazil beat Peru 2-1 in their opening match of the Copa América 2024. Santos, who is set to join Chelsea from Vasco da Gama this summer, scored a fine goal in the second half to give Brazil all three points. The victory puts Brazil top of Group B, and they will be confident of qualifying for the knockout stages.