Chile's women's national football team suffered a 3-1 defeat to Peru in Cusco, for the third matchday of the CONMEBOL Women's Nations League, qualifier for the 2027 Brazil World Cup. Coach Luis Mena's side struggled with the 3,500-meter altitude and the speed of the Peruvians, losing their unbeaten streak with four points in the standings. Midfielder Valentina Peña withdrew due to acute gastroenteritis.
The match took place in Cusco, Peru, at 3,500 meters altitude, which hampered La Roja Femenina's performance. From the start, Peru capitalized on the speed of forwards Alesia García and Bilcape. At the 30th minute, an error by Nayadet López Opazo on a back pass allowed García to beat Fernanda Pinilla and finish crossed against Tiane Endler for 1-0.
However, López redeemed herself at the 41st minute with a 30-meter shot that buried into the Peruvian goal, tying 1-1. In the second half, the Peruvians dominated. At the 60th minute, Bilcape assisted the substitute Luz Campoverde, who finished unmarked for 2-1. Five minutes later, at 65, Bilcape advanced at speed and scored 3-1 after another defensive mismatch by Chile.
Mena's team couldn't recover, and Peru nearly extended the lead with an offside-disallowed goal at 71 minutes. Chile had chances, like Javiera Sáez's header at minute 2 and Carla Urrutia's shot at 87, but failed to convert. Yellow cards to López (97') and Cortés (81') for Chile, and Mamani (93') for Peru.
This loss stalls Chile at four points. They face Paraguay on Tuesday in Rancagua for the fourth matchday. Before the game, 19-year-old Universidad Católica midfielder Valentina Peña was ruled out due to acute gastroenteritis, which would have been her senior debut.
