Thiago Almada's equaliser rescued a point for 10-man Argentina in their 1-1 draw with Colombia.

The reigning world and Copa America champions fell behind to Luis Diaz's wonderful individual effort in the first half of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier at Estadio Mas Monumental.

Enzo Fernandez was then dismissed for the hosts, who have already qualified for next year's finals, but Almada earned a share of the spoils with a fine strike in the 81st minute.

Both sides went close during the first half. Deiver Machado fired over from a dangerous position for Colombia, while Julian Alvarez stung Kevin Mier's palms from distance at the other end.

However, it was the visitors who struck first in emphatic fashion after 24 minutes; Diaz drifting inside from the left flank with a strong run - beating three defenders along the way - before slotting past Emiliano Martinez.

Lionel Scaloni's side went in search of an equaliser. Alvarez saw a volley ruled out for offside against the returning Lionel Messi, while Fernandez fired over and Nicolas Gonzalez hit the post from close range.

The hosts' task became even more difficult when Fernandez was shown a straight red card in the 70th minute, after the Chelsea midfielder caught Kevin Castano in the face with a high boot.

Nevertheless, they dragged themselves level nine minutes from time, with Almada driving into the area before drilling past Mier and into the far corner.

Colombia almost regained their advantage when Richard Rios' free header clipped the outside of the post, but they had to settle for a point in Buenos Aires.

Los Cafeteros, who occupy sixth place in the COMNEBOL qualifying section, are now four points clear of seventh-place Venezuela, after Los Vinotintos were beaten 2-0 by Uruguay.

Rodrigo Aguirre and Giorgian de Arrascaeta scored either side of half-time at Estadio Centenario, as Marcelo Bielsa's side moved within a point of sealing their qualification for the finals.

Meanwhile, Ecuador secured their place in the tournament with two games to spare following a 0-0 draw with Peru in Lima; their third successive goalless stalemate.

Data Debrief: Three in a row for Diaz

Diaz, who returned from suspension, continued his impressive form during this qualifying section, in which he tops the scoring chart with seven goals.

Following his fine individual effort, the Liverpool winger has found the net in each of his last three World Cup qualifiers, his longest such streak.

Although, it was not enough to secure all three points for Colombia, who are now without a win in six matches (drawn three, lost three).

Almada's strike means Argentina have now scored seven goals in the last 15 minutes of the second half during this CONMBEOL qualifying section, more than any other nation.

Meanwhile, Ecuador sealed their return to the World Cup finals after extending their unbeaten streak in qualifiers to nine matches (their longest run since at least 2006).

Also, their tally of 11 clean sheets in 16 matches is the most recorded by any South American side during this qualifying campaign.