Los Chankas 1-2 FC Cajamarca: Cajamarca Complete Comeback to Stun High-Altitude Hosts

FC Cajamarca produced a resilient second-half comeback to defeat Los Chankas 2-1 in Peruvian Liga 1 action on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Played at the Estadio Los Chankas in Andahuaylas, the match saw the home side take an early lead, only for Cajamarca to respond with two goals and claim a valuable away victory.

Los Chankas are traditionally difficult to beat at altitude, but FC Cajamarca managed the conditions intelligently. They conserved energy in the opening stages, absorbed pressure, and grew stronger as the match progressed. The result hands Los Chankas a frustrating home defeat and gives Cajamarca a major boost in the Liga 1 table.

Match Overview

Los Chankas started brightly and used the thin Andean air to their advantage, pressing high and moving the ball quickly. Their reward came in the 18th minute when Carlos López found space between the center-backs and finished calmly to make it 1-0. The home crowd expected that goal to open the floodgates, but Cajamarca refused to fold.

Instead, the visitors slowed the game down, kept their defensive lines compact, and waited for their moments. Their equalizer arrived just before halftime, shifting the momentum. In the second half, Cajamarca looked the more composed side and found a late winner to complete a deserved turnaround.

Key Moments

• 18th minute – Los Chankas lead: Carlos López latched onto a through ball and slotted past the goalkeeper for 1-0.
• 44th minute – Cajamarca equalize: Kevin Sánchez met a deep cross at the back post and headed home to send the teams level at the break.
• 79th minute – Cajamarca win it: Renzo Garcés drove forward from midfield and unleashed a low shot that found the bottom corner.
• 90+3 minutes – Late pressure: Los Chankas threw bodies forward, but Cajamarca’s back line held firm.

Tactical Breakdown

Cajamarca’s tactical adjustment was central to the result. After struggling with Los Chankas’ early pressing, they switched to a more direct 4-4-2 shape, bypassing the midfield press and attacking the flanks. That change forced Los Chankas’ full-backs deeper and reduced the home side’s ability to sustain attacks.

Los Chankas dominated possession for long stretches but lacked a cutting edge after their opening goal. Their crosses were often rushed, and Cajamarca goalkeeper Diego Campos made two important saves to keep the deficit manageable. As the altitude began to affect the rhythm of the game, Cajamarca’s patience and organization proved decisive.

Standout Players

Renzo Garcés was the hero for FC Cajamarca, not only for his winning goal but also for his energy in midfield. Kevin Sánchez’s equalizer changed the psychology of the match, while Diego Campos delivered a confident performance in goal. For Los Chankas, Carlos López took his goal well and was a threat in the first half, but the home side will regret not building on their early advantage.

Season Impact

FC Cajamarca’s victory strengthens their position in the Liga 1 standings and proves they can win in difficult away conditions. For Los Chankas, the defeat is a setback in their push for a higher finish, especially because it came on home soil. In a tightly packed Peruvian table, dropping points at altitude can be costly, and Cajamarca’s comeback will be remembered as one of the more impressive road results of the campaign.

Los Chankas must now recover quickly, while FC Cajamarca will carry renewed belief into their next fixture. The three points are a reward for patience, tactical discipline, and a well-timed late push.