Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez inspired Chile to victory over Cameroon in their opening Confederations Cup group game, coming off the bench at 0-0 and leading a second-half revival at the Otkrytiye Arena.

Sanchez, Chile’s second-highest appearances maker, was brought on for La Roja with 20 minutes remaining and his side somewhat on the ropes against Cameroon. But despite nursing an ankle injury, the Arsenal man helped turn the tide and Chile scored twice with him on the pitch to pick up all three points to go top of Group B.

After having a goal disallowed, Chile’s opening game came from Bayern Munich’s Arturo Vidal, heading home an inch-perfect cross on the left from Sanchez. The creator then nearly turned goalscorer after his close-range header almost doubled Chile’s lead. Two minutes later, Sanchez played a big part in the second Chile goal too, however.

Beating the offside trap, Sanchez tried to round the goalkeeper and fortunately had Eduardo Vargas to score from close range after almost being thwarted. Chile ran out 2-0 winners and The Sun reported after the game that the influential substitute picked up a swollen ankle, having posted a picture of his foot on social media.

Chile next face World Cup holders Germany and Australia.

Latest Arsenal injury updates and news
Latest Arsenal injury updates and news