The upcoming continental competition will feature four Colombian clubs representing the country. In 2023, the South American Cup aims to showcase four teams that earned their spots by ranking high in the 2022 total reclassification and that did not secure Libertadores berths. The qualified clubs are Deportes Tolima, Junior, Independiente Santa Fe, and the Golden Eagles. These teams will pursue advancement to the next round once the qualifying series is finalized through mutual agreement on the format.
The Phase I draw was conducted on Tuesday, December 20, revealing the matchups that will pit these Colombian squads against each other as they look to break into the group phase of the tournament.
This is a moment when Colombian clubs push toward greater prestige on the continental stage.
THE COLOMBIAN QUALIFICATION
Independiente Santa Fe
In the opening phase, teams from each federation face one another in a single match within the same country. The ties are scheduled for the week starting March 8. Two series were drawn among the Colombian representatives, with the outcomes determined by a coin toss to assign home venues where possible.
First-round matchups:
- Deportes Tolima vs. Junior, hosting in Ibague
- Independiente Santa Fe vs. Golden Eagles, hosting in Medellin
The matchup between Dorados and Cardenales was played on March 8 at the Atanasio Girardot stadium, where the capital team secured a 2-1 victory with goals from Mosquera and De la Rosa, following a late reply from the Antioquian side, sealing their advancement to the group stage.
Meanwhile, Pijaos and Tiburones determined the second Colombian representative on March 9 at the Manuel Murillo Toro stadium. The Pijaos clinched the spot thanks to a goal by Junior Hernández, keeping their place in the competition and presenting a stern challenge to the Barranquilla outfit, which could not overcome Juan Fernando Quintero’s performance.
The winners advance to the Group Stage, where they will share a pool with three other teams that will be drawn in March after Phase I concludes. From the group stage, the top team progresses directly to the round of 16, while the second-placed side enters a playoff against teams joining from the Copa Libertadores as the third-placed teams in their groups.
millionaires
Atlético de Madrid’s Colombian affiliate known as El Embajador has earned a spot in the Copa Sudamericana following elimination by Atlético Mineiro in the Libertadores stage. It remains in the draw for the next round, scheduled for Monday, March 27, and placed in pot 4 for the drawing process.
Note: This overview reflects the status of Colombian clubs as they position themselves for the South American Cup, highlighting the pathway from the initial phase to potential group stage progression and beyond.