Kevin Rodriguez came off the bench to give Ecuador a crucial win over Bolivia in qualification for the World Cup. With just over 10 minutes to go the striker came off the bench for Independiente del Valle 16-year-old star Kendry Paez, who had opened the scoring. In the 96th minute a pass from Moisés Caicedo found its way to Rodriguez. The Union St Gilloise man controlled it well before firing into the net. This win means that Ecuador sit seventh, with three points from their opening three games. The side have won twice but were deducted three points for falsifying birth documents for Byron Castillo during the previous World Cup qualification.
Late drama in La Paz as Union St Gilloise striker Kevin Rodriguez grabs a 96th minute winner for Ecuador over Bolivia 🇪🇨pic.twitter.com/NI9XEIQsNx
— Get Belgian & Dutch Football News (@GBeNeFN) October 13, 2023
This was the 23-year-old’s first goal for his country in his eight appearance. He only moved to Belgium in the summer, having been playing with Paez at Independiente Del Valle for a few months. Rodriguez joined the club in January of this year from Imabura SC, going on to score five goals in 26 games. In four games for Union he has one assist and only one start. However, in recent matches it is becoming clearer that the striker is beginning to adapt to Belgian football.
