Enner Valencia scored his second goal of Ecuador's Copa America campaign to help his side defeat Mexico 2-1 in their final Group A fixture.
La Tri must now wait for the conclusion of the other two groups to see if they will progress as one of the two best third-placed teams.
Ecuador needed the victory to give themselves any chance of reaching the quarter-finals and Valencia's 13th goal for his country played a big part in keeping their hopes alive.
Mexico were also winless in their campaign going into the game in Rancagua and Miller Bolanos' 26th minute goal for Ecuador did not help their cause.
Valencia doubled the advantage with 57 minutes played and although Raul Jimenez pulled one back from the spot, Ecuador held firm for the three points.
In Friday's other Group A fixture, Chile thrashed Bolivia 5-0 to ensure they would finish top of the standings.