Ecuador secure comfortable victory over Costa Rica in international friendly

Ecuador claimed a 2-0 victory over Costa Rica in an international friendly on 14 November 2026. The decisive moments came through a first-half strike from J. Caicedo and a late penalty from M. Caicedo, ensuring the hosts took the win in a match that saw Costa Rica reduced to ten men.

The opening goal arrived in the 22nd minute when J. Caicedo found the net, assisted by P. Hincapie, to give Ecuador a 1-0 lead. Throughout the first half, Ecuador maintained significant control, recording 68 attacks and 63% possession. While Costa Rica managed to create two big chances, they struggled to convert, finishing the half trailing.

The second half saw a flurry of tactical changes from Costa Rica as they attempted to find an equaliser. Between the 57th and 66th minutes, the visitors introduced A. Soto, F. Calvo, R. Wilson, J. Alcocer, D. Mesen, and D. Lopez. During this period, the match became more heated; J. Yeboah received a yellow card for Ecuador in the 58th minute, while Costa Rica's A. Gamboa was cautioned in the 64th minute.

The momentum shifted decisively in the 68th minute when Costa Rica's D. Mesen was shown a red card, leaving the visitors with ten men. Ecuador capitalised on the numerical advantage late in the game. In the 83rd minute, M. Caicedo converted a penalty to make the score 2-0. Shortly after, the Ecuadorian bench made several substitutions, including bringing on O. Zambrano, G. Plata, and P. Estupinan to close out the game.

Statistically, Ecuador dominated the proceedings with 394 total passes and 94 passes into the final third. They also recorded 11 corners compared to just one for Costa Rica. Although Costa Rica managed five goalkeeper saves to keep the scoreline from widening, their difficulty in retaining possession was evident, finishing with only 37% possession and 16 passes into the final third. The match concluded with a final yellow card for Costa Rica's K. Myrie in the 90th minute.