La Selección Colombia meets Chile at the Estadio Olímpico Pascual Guerrero in Cali on Friday, November 13, for an international friendly match during the November FIFA window. The fixture marks the senior national team’s first appearance in Cali in 27 years, serving as a preparation match for upcoming official tournaments under head coach Néstor Lorenzo.
The team is playing two friendly matches against the same opponent as part of preparations for the 2028 Copa América and the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.
Why does Colombia play in Cali after 27 years?
The fixture marks the senior men’s team’s return to the Estadio Olímpico Pascual Guerrero for the first time since January 24, 1999, when Colombia drew 1-1 against Denmark in a match that did not carry FIFA Class A status due to the Scandinavian side fielding a secondary squad.
⏱️ 59' Cambio en Colombia ➡️ Yáser Asprilla ⬅️ Camilo Durán 🇨🇴 1-0 🇨🇱#ConOrgulloColombiano🇨🇴 pic.twitter.com/EqkSiNI8M9
— Post by @FCFSeleccionCol on X
Beyond sporting preparations, the game carries a significant social component. Ticket sales revenue will directly support families affected by the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the country on August 10, according to ESPN Deportes reporting. The disaster left 331 people dead, including 154 fatalities in Cali, and affected nearly 400,000 individuals nationwide.
“Venimos a dar un mensaje de unidad a Cali. Sabemos que la reconstrucción demora mucho tiempo y es necesario que sigamos siendo solidarios con la gente que sufre,” said Néstor Lorenzo, head coach of the Colombia national team, as reported by Noticias Caracol.
“Es una satisfacción que Cali nos haya recibido. Ojalá podamos dar felicidad con un buen juego,” added Néstor Lorenzo.
Before kickoff, the stadium observed a moment of silence dedicated to the victims of the August 10 earthquake, following protocol items that also included national anthems before an encouraging crowd.
How did the first half unfold in Cali?
AS Colombia reported that the home side finished the opening 45 minutes holding the better momentum at the Pascual Guerrero after progressively solving early tactical puzzles. While Chile created early danger through transition play and set pieces, the Tricolor asserted control through ball circulation and midfield mobility.
Gustavo Puerta directed much of the Colombian play from the center of the pitch. Defender Dávinson Sánchez prevented a Chile goal with a spectacular bicycle kick clearance off the goal line.
The tactical shift saw Jhon Arias drop deeper into midfield while Nelson Deossa pushed forward, giving Colombia greater attacking balance and defensive recovery through pressing after losing possession.
El Tiempo said that Colombia led the first half following a competitive opening phase where Maximiliano Gutiérrez hit the crossbar with a 12th-minute free kick, an opportunity stemming from a foul by Samuel Velásquez that yielded the match’s first yellow card.
During the opening half, Colombia wore an alternate kit, marking their first appearance in a non-primary uniform since their second-phase match against Ghana at the 2026 World Cup. The Ecuadorian referee Augusto Aragón served as the central official for the fixture at the Pascual Guerrero.
At the start of the second half, tactical changes were introduced as Juan David Arizala made his debut for the senior national team, replacing Samuel Velásquez, while Óscar Perea entered for Nelson Deossa.
Who is missing from the squads?
Coach Lorenzo welcomed back senior figures such as Camilo Vargas and Jefferson Lerma, but faced notable absences from the roster. Luis Díaz, Álvaro Montero, Richard Ríos, Kevin Castaño, Jaminton Campaz, Jorge Carrascal, and Carlos Andrés Gómez were left out of the team call-up.
New faces in the Colombian squad include goalkeeper Devis Vásquez, full-back Juan Arizala, midfielder Nelson Deossa, and forwards Daniel Mosquera and Camilo Mena. Regarding the integration of new talent, head coach Néstor Lorenzo stated, “Estamos tratando de tener un grupo fuerte, el equipo va a aparecer cuando tengamos diez entrenamientos.”
On the opposing side, Chile entered the international window following recent results that included defeats against Canada and the United States alongside a victory over Mexico. In the post-World Cup era, Chile had previously drawn against Mexico, lost to Paraguay, and defeated Peru.
Manager Nicolás Córdova managed defensive injuries to Paulo Díaz and Benjamín Kuscevic ahead of kickoff, while available squad members featured Darío Osorio, a midfielder who plays alongside Jefferson Lerma at Crystal Palace and was projected to start against the Tricolor.
Where can fans watch the match?
The fixture kicked off at 7:00 p.m. local time in Cali on Friday, November 13. Television broadcasts and online streams were made available via Gol Caracol’s primary signal, Ditu, and the network’s official digital platforms, Noticias Caracol noted.
The two national teams will meet again on Tuesday for the second leg of their November international friendlies.
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