Venezuela have drawn 2-2 with fellow Copa América Group A rivals Bolivia in their opening Group A Copa América match in San Cristóbal on Tuesday.

Goals from Giancarlos Maldonado for Venezuela and an own-goal from Bolivia defender Alejandro Cichero saw the teams level at half-time. Goals from Ricardo David Páez and Juan Carlos Arce saw the sides end the game level at 2-2.

Venezuela came out quickly in the first-half, but Bolivia were the team in command for most of the half, but there were chances wasted from both sides.

Against the run-of-play Venezuela took the lead in the 21st minute with an opening goal from Giancarlos Maldonado to give the host's the lead.

Bolivia equalised in the 39th minute with an unfortunate own-goal from Bolivia defender Alejandro Cichero, from a strike from Jaime Moreno.

The half ended level at 1-1, but it was Venezuela who came out with intent for the second-half and took the lead in the 56th minute, with a strike from Ricardo David Páez to give the hosts the lead.

Venezuela had plenty of opportunities to extend their lead, but were made to pay after some slack defending from Venezuela let Juan Carlos Arce equalise in the 84th minute.

There was late drama in the last minute of normal play when what seemed a cast-iron penalty to Bolivia was waved away by the Ecuadorian referee.

Neither team managed to capitalise on fellow Group A rival Uruguay's 3-0 loss to Peru earlier on Tuesday, with the game ending 2-2.

Teamsheets for Venezuela v Bolivia In Copa América 2007 Group A Match:

Venezuela Team: Renny Vicente Vega, Alejandro Cichero, Héctor González, José Manuel Rey, Jorge Rojas, Juan Fernando Arango, Miguel Ángel Mea Vitali, Ricardo David Páez, Luis Vera, Fernando de Ornellas (Alejandro Guerra, 60), Giancarlos Maldonado.

Venezuela Substitutes Not Used: Javier Toyo, Andrés Rouga, Luis José Vallenilla, Leonel Vielma, Oswaldo Vizcarrondo, Pedro Fernández, Cesar Eduardo González, Edder Pérez, Daniel Arismendi, José Torrealba.

Bolivia Team: Sergio Galarza, Lorgio Alvarez, Miguel Ángel Hoyos, Juan Manuel Peña Montaño, Ronald Raldes, Jhasmany Campos, Gualberto Mojica, Leonel Reyes (Darwin Peña, 60), Joselito Vaca (Gonzalo Germán Galindo, 71), Juan Carlos Arce, Jaime Moreno.

Bolivia Substitutes Not Used: Hugo Suárez, Limbert Méndez, Jorge Antonio Ortiz, Luis Aníbal Torrico, Pedro Zabala, Ronald García, Sacha Silvestre Lima, Pablo Antonio Salinas, Nelson Sossa.

Referee: Reinoso, Mauricio (Ecuador)

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