Quito, Ecuador – Na today, Friday 21 March, 2025, Ecuador go face Venezuela for di 13th round of di Sudamerican Eliminatorias for Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado. But La Tricolor no go get di services of one of dem key players, Piero Hincapié.
Piero Hincapié, wey dey play as left-back and important member of La Tri, no fit play today because of suspension. Dis suspension come after im receive red card for di last match against Colombia, wey Ecuador win 1-0.
Coach Sebastián Beccacece go need to find replacement for Hincapié as dem prepare to battle La Vinotinto. He don already troway Felix Torres and Willian Pacho to fill di central defense role, while Joel Ordóñez go play as wing-back.
“Piero na big part of our team, and his absence fit affect di match,” Beccacece talk during training session. “We dey do our best to adjust without him.”
Hincapié don make 43 appearances for Ecuador since im debut in 2021, scoring three goals. Di defender train with di team up to di match day even though im know say he no go fit play against Venezuela. Im don show commitment for di national team.
Ecuador dey currently sit for third place with 19 points, while Argentina lead di table with 25 points and Uruguay follow closely with 20. Dis match dey crucial as dem dey fight to qualify for di 2026 World Cup.
With Hincapié out, Beccacece’s plan fit also depend on di strength of di midfielders like Moisés Caicedo and Alan Franco to hold possession and create chances. Di match go kick off by 16:00 local time.
Historically, Ecuador get good record against Venezuela, winning seven out of di eight matches wey dem don play for home during di eliminatorias. Di last encounter was a tight 1-0 victory, with Hincapié scoring di only goal.
As for Venezuela, dem hope to make history by securing dia first World Cup qualification. Di current format give dem a better chance to finally break through after years of struggle.
Beccacece emphasize say, “We must prepare well and show our strength despite any challenges we dey face.”
