Buenos Aires, Feb 10 (IANS): Ecuador international midfielder Fernando Gaibor converted a late penalty to hand Independiente a 2-1 home victory over Union de Santa Fe in the Superliga Argentina.

Bruno Pitton on Saturday gave the visitors an early lead at the Libertadores stadium but Independiente equalised when Yeimar Gomez turned the ball into his own net just before halftime, reports Xinhua news agency.

Gaibor calmly slotted in the winner with 15 minutes left after Pablo Hernandez was brought down by Nereo Fernandez.

The result lifted Independiente to seventh in the standings and kept alive their hopes of a top four finish, which would earn them a place in the 2020 Copa Libertadores.

Union dropped to ninth, four points behind Independiente and 18 points adrift of leaders Racing Club.

In other matches on Saturday, Estudiantes secured a 1-0 home win over Patronato and Talleres de Cordoba held Atletico Tucuman to a goalless draw.