Instrumental in the victory was substitute Carlos Villanueva, who stepped off the bench with 20 minutes to go to set-up one goal before scoring himself to clinch the win.

Until then Ecuador had dominated the game and had deservedly broken the deadlock through Antonio Valencia, who collected a pass from Carlos Tenorio before firing home.

In the 19th minute, Colo Colo striker Humberto Suazo equalised with a superb effort from distance, but Ecuador were soon back in front when Cristian Benitez took advantage of an error by Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo to make it 2-1 in the 22nd minute.

Luis Fernando Suarez's side continued to dominate and had chances to further extend their lead but failed to convert any of them.

Chile's Uruguayan coach Nelson Acosta brought on Miguel Riffo and Juan Lorca during the interval in a bid to increase his side's attacking threat.

But it was Ecuador who continued to carve out opportunities, Reading's Ulises de La Cruz saw his effort well saved by goalkeeper Bravo before a header from Giovanni Espinoza went just wide.

In the 72nd minute Audax Italiano's playmaker Villanueva came off the bench and he made an immediate impact.

In the 80th minute he set-up Suazo who made it 2-2 with an impressive volley and Villanueva secured the victory for Chile six minutes later when his free-kick flew straight into the net.

On Sunday Chile will face reigning champions Brazil while Ecuador will face Mexico.