S. America Under-20: Ecuador beat Peru in opener

Ecuador have won the opening match of the 2009 South American Under-20 Championships, beating Peru 2-1 thanks to two first half goals from Joao Rojas.

Rojas, who plays his club football for Technico Universitation, first headed home in the fourth minute and added another to double the lead in the 21st.

Peru forward Juan Barros converted a penalty kick in the 27th minute to give Peru new hope.

In the second half, Peru did manage to create more chances than in the first but Ecuador keeper Manuel Mendoza, who celebrated his 20th birthday, made several good saves to defend his side’s lead.

As a result, Ecuador now lead in Group A, which also consists of Argentina, hosts Venezuela and Colombia.