Chile's Arturo Vidal reacts during the Group C match between Chile and Ecuador at the Copa America 2019, held in Salvador, Brazil, June 21, 2019. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

SAO PAULO, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Chile edged past Ecuador 2-1 in a Group C match and reached the quarterfinals of the Copa America soccer tournament on Friday.

Chile's Jose Fuenzalida opened the scoring in the 8th minute while Enner Valencia equalized for Ecuador from the spot in the 26th. Alexis Sanchez scored with a shot from inside the area in the 51st minute, securing the two-time defending champions in the last eight of the South American tournament.

The 30-year-old Sanchez, who had a miserable club season with Manchester United, also scored in Chile's 4-0 victory against guest team Japan in the first round of the group.

Chile now joined Colombia as the only teams to qualify for the knockout stages after their first two matches.

The Chileans now lead Group C with six points while Ecuador suffered two defeats and is placed at the bottom of the group.

Chile will meet Uruguay and Ecuador will play Japan in the final round of the group stage on Monday.