Edinson Cavani and Christian Stuani struck late goals as Uruguay kept alive their hopes of direct qualification for next year's World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Colombia on Tuesday.

Colombia entered the match at the Estadio Centenario needing a victory to secure their place in the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

But Cavani struck with a 78th minute header before Stuani prodded in after a clever turn and pass from Gaston Ramirez.

The Celeste are now fifth in the Conmebol standings, level on points with fourth placed Ecuador with just two matches remaining.

In other matches on Tuesday Bolivia drew 1-1 with Ecuador while Venezuela overcame Peru 3-2.