Mina own goal helps Peru to 2-1 Copa America win over Colombia

June 20, 2021 Peru's Yoshimar Yotun in action with Colombia's Juan Cuadrado REUTERS

Yerry Mina's own goal in the second half saw Colombia crash to a 2-1 defeat by Peru in an absorbing Copa America clash on Sunday.

Peru, who reached the final of the last Copa America but had won just two of their 12 games since, got off to a good start in Goiania when they took the lead after 17 minutes when Sergio Pena hammered home a Yoshimar Yotun shot that had come back off the post.

The goal ended Colombia’s run of seven Copa America games without conceding but they grabbed a deserved equaliser eight minutes into the second half when Miguel Borja was brought down in the box as he tried to go round keeper Pedro Gallese.

The referee pointed to the spot and Borja coolly sent the keeper the wrong way.

Colombia had not lost any of their last 10 matches against Peru but were undone by an own goal from Everton defender Mina.

A corner kick whipped in from the right hit him on the chest and bounced over the line. Goalkeeper David Ospina clawed the ball away but the referee ruled the goal valid.

The result lifts Peru into third place in the five-team Group B with three points from two games, one behind Colombia who have played a game more.

Leaders Brazil have a maximum six points, while Venezuela, who drew 2-2 with Ecuador earlier on Sunday, have two points from three games. Ecuador have one from two games.