Barranquilla, Miguel Borja scored two first-half goals as Colombia beat Chile 3-1 in their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier here.
Colombia took the lead in the 19th minute when Borja converted from the penalty spot after Luis Dias was tripped by Paulo Diaz.
The Gremio striker was again on target a minute later, coolly slotting a low shot into the bottom right corner after running onto Rafael Borre’s headed pass on the counterattack.
Chile reduced the deficit just before the hour mark through Jean Meneses, who struck from close range after being set up by Erick Pulgar.
But the hosts regained their composure and Diaz made it 3-1 when his shot from distance ricochetted in off Mauricio Isla, who bungled an attempt to clear the ball off the line with his right foot.
Colombia are now undefeated in their past five qualifiers and occupy fifth place in the 10-team South American zone standings. Chile, meanwhile, have gone six matches without a victory in the qualifiers, dropping to eighth spot.
Earlier on Thursday, Uruguay secured a 1-0 home win over Ecuador and Paraguay beat Venezuela 2-1 in Asuncion.
(EW correspondent)
