Late Ham strike sinks River Plate in Argentine top flight

BUENOS AIRES, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- Ezequiel Ham scored in the 99th minute as Independiente Rivadavia clinched a dramatic 2-1 home victory over River Plate in Argentina's Primera Division on Thursday.

Colombian winger Sebastian Villa put the hosts ahead by running onto Diego Tonetto's through ball and angling a low shot into the far corner.

The visitors equalized through Facundo Colidio, who converted from the penalty spot after a Sheyko Studer handball.

Villa then turned provider as his cut-back from left side of the box allowed Ham to smash home a first-time finish from eight yards.

The result ended a three-game winless run for Independiente Rivadavia and leaves the side 21st in the 28-team standings with 28 points from 23 games.

River Plate is fifth with 36 points, eight points behind leaders Velez Sarsfield with four match days remaining.

In other Argentine top-flight fixtures on Thursday, Belgrano drew 1-1 at Barracas Central, Talleres Cordoba eased to a 2-0 home win over Sarmiento and Independiente won 1-0 at home to Gimnasia. ■