DHAKA: Enner Valencia's brace led Ecuador to a 2-1 win over Honduras to keep their World Cup chances alive on Saturday.

Valencia continued his fine form for his country as he scored for the sixth straight international game to see Reinaldo Rueda's men to an important win in Group E.

Carlo Costly had put Honduras ahead before Valencia's equaliser in the first half and his second in the 65th minute proved to be the winner at the Arena de Baixada in Curitiba.

Ecuador climb into second in Group E, behind a France team they face on Wednesday, while Honduras are still alive despite being bottom without a point.

Honduras coach Luis Fernando Suarez made two changes to the team that was well-beaten by France.

Jorge Claros replaced the suspended Wilson Palacios in midfield, while Andy Najar made way for Oscar Boniek Garcia out wide.

Ecuador, who suffered a late loss to Switzerland in their opening game, saw just one change to their starting XI as Oswaldo Minda took Carlos Armando Gruezo Arboleda's place in midfield.

Valencia had the first real chance in the 20th minute.

Frickson Erazo's long pass put Valencia through the centre of the Honduras defence, but the Pachuca forward missed the target in a one-on-one with Noel Valladares.

Ecuador looked most dangerous on the counter-attack, while Suarez's men had a good chance in the 27th minute.

A Garcia corner found Victor Bernardez, but the centre-back could only direct his free header well wide, reports goal.com.

The game came to life just after the half-hour mark.

A long pass from Brayan Beckeles found Costly and, after Jorge Guagua failed to clear, the Real Espana forward fired a powerful left-footed strike past Alexander Dominguez in the 31st minute.

BDST: 0853 HRS, JUN 21, 2014