Nov 16, (V7N) - Uruguay ended a five-match winless streak with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Colombia in South American World Cup qualifying on Friday, thanks to a dramatic last-gasp winner from Manuel Ugarte.

With the match seemingly heading for a 2-1 Uruguay win, Colombia stunned their hosts by equalizing in the sixth minute of stoppage time through Andres Gomez. But the celebrations were short-lived as Uruguay mounted a quick response, with Ugarte finding the ball in the box and scoring his first international goal to snatch the win.

The Estadio Centenario erupted as Ugarte's strike sealed the three points, giving Uruguay not only a much-needed victory but also some revenge for their Copa America semi-final loss to Colombia in July.

The win lifted Uruguay above Colombia into second place in the standings, just behind leaders Argentina.

Colombia had taken the lead in the 31st minute when Juan Fernando Quintero delivered a brilliant free-kick. The home defense, expecting a cross, was caught off guard when Quintero spotted a gap at the near post and fired the ball past Uruguay goalkeeper Sergio Rochet.

Uruguay equalized in the 57th minute, albeit with some fortune. A Marcelo Saracchi cross deflected off Daniel Munoz, and Davinson Sanchez's attempted clearance found its way into his own net.

Uruguay’s second goal came just three minutes later with a well-worked team move. Maximiliano Araujo and Mathias Olivera combined smartly before Rodrigo Aguirre fired past Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina to give Uruguay the lead.

It was a poignant moment for Aguirre, a player who had represented Uruguay at youth level but had never played for the senior team until that night. He had spent time in Mexico with Club America, and his goal was a sweet reward for coach Marcelo Bielsa's faith in him.

With the match seemingly in hand, Colombia mounted a last-ditch effort. After a goalmouth scramble, Sanchez's header was flicked on by Gomez, who pounced to level the score in stoppage time.

But just as it seemed the match would end in a draw, Ugarte made sure that Uruguay would claim all three points. His dramatic winner capped off a hard-fought contest.

Uruguay’s victory, which ended their long winless run, was crucial for coach Marcelo Bielsa, who had seen his side struggle in previous qualifiers. The team now looks ahead to future matches with renewed confidence as they sit in second place, just behind Argentina.

Later on Friday, Peru hosted Chile in another important qualifier