Guadalajara: Christian Benitez scored after only 40 seconds to set up Ecuador's 2-1 win over Mexico in a friendly on Saturday.
It was Ecuador's first victory over Mexico in 14 years, spoiling the debut of Mexico's interim coach Efrain Flores.
Benitez's opener was canceled out by an own-goal by Luis Checa in the 40th minute. Jaime Ayovi struck the winner in the 58th.
Mexico had a chance to tie the game in the 59th minute, but Ecuador goalkeeper Maximo Banguera deflected Carlos Salcido's long drive off his finger tips — and then off the crossbar.
It was Mexico's second friendly match without a victory since being knocked out of the World Cup by Argentina in the group of 16. Mexico and Spain drew 1-1 last month with Enrique Meza serving as interim coach
Mexico faces Colombia on Tuesday in Monterrey, Mexico, and Flores will be on the bench again. Mexico is expected to name a full-time replacement for Javier Aguirre next month. Aguirre quit just a few days after the World Cup loss to Argentina.
The victory marked a successful debut for new Ecuador coach Reinaldo Rueda. Rueda took Honduras to the 2010 World Cup, but resigned afterward to take over Ecuador. Ecuador plays at Venezuela on Tuesday, a warm-up for next year's Copa America — the South American championship — in Argentina.
Both teams played some of their top Europe-based talent. For Ecuador it was Manchester United midfielder Antonio Valencia, and for Mexico it was his Red Devils' teammate Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, and Tottenham forward Giovanni Dos Santos.
(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter and Google+)
displayed with permission. Use of the CNN name and/or logo on or as part of CNN-IBN does not derogate from the intellectual property rights of Cable News Network in respect of them.