The Women's Copa America in Ecuador ended with a thrilling final as Brazil edged Colombia in an eight-goal spectacle to win their ninth title but logistical challenges and half-empty stadiums showed the hurdles that face South American women's football.

Brazil legend Marta led her country to a successful defence of their Women's Copa America title on Saturday, defeating Colombia on penalties after a rollercoaster final.

Six-time world player of the year Marta has led Brazil to their ninth Copa America Femenina title. On Saturday, she came off the bench to score twice, including an equalizer in stoppage time, as Brazil came from behind three times before winning the penalty shootout 5-4 against Colombia.