Ecuador, Uruguay Draw 2-2 in Copa América Femenina Opener in Quito

The 2025 Copa America Femenina opened with a thrilling Group A match between hosts Ecuador and Uruguay, ending in a 2-2 draw. Uruguay initially took a 2-0 lead through Belén Aquino and a penalty converted by Pamela González, but Ecuador fought back with an own goal by Yannel Correa and a late equalizer by Emily Rosa Arias Espinales. The tournament, hosted by Ecuador for the third time, features ten teams split into two groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals and aiming for qualification to the 2028 Olympic Games. Uruguay, coached by Ariel Longo, brings a mix of experienced and young players, many of whom play professionally abroad, and is looking to improve on past performances, including a notable third place in 2006. The new format separates World Cup qualifiers from this tournament, making the Copa America a crucial platform for Olympic and Pan American Games qualification. Both teams are set to continue their Group A campaigns with matches against other South American nations scheduled in the coming weeks.