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.
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