PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo had given the Netherlands the lead after just five minutes and four seconds – the quickest goal so far in Qatar – when he struck a shot beautifully into the top of the net.

But the Dutch struggled to build on their lead, with Ecuador’s Pervis Estupinan having a goal disallowed on the stroke of half-time.

Ecuador fans were bouncing with excitement throughout the second half at the Khalifa International Stadium as they equalised just after the break and continued to create chances against a rattled Netherlands side.

The entire Ecuador squad ran over to the corner flag to celebrate with Valencia after he poked in the rebound from Estupinan’s parried shot in the 49th minute – and Gonzalo Plata hit the crossbar with a long-range effort shortly after.

Captain Valencia, who scored both goals in Ecuador’s victory over hosts Qatar on the opening night of the World Cup, was a constant threat but his evening was cut short due to injury.

The former West Ham and Everton striker went down in the final minute of normal time and was taken off on a stretcher, but was seen hobbling to his seat in the dugout.

The result means three teams from Group A will be battling it out for a place in the last 16 in the final group match – the Netherlands, Ecuador and Senegal – with all three capable of going through as table leaders.

With the Netherlands heavy favourites going into their final group game against bottom side Qatar, all eyes will be on a showdown between Ecuador and Senegal, which will dictate the table order.

“If you want to become world champion then of course you need to improve a lot as some of the opponents we are yet to face is playing at a much higher level,” said Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal.

“We simply need to improve our game in terms of ball possession and we are working on that. Whether we’ll make it in this tournament I can’t guarantee that. But I think so.”

The four time African champions after missing out in the last edition of the Mundial have returned to the biggest football stage for the fourth time.

Ghana secured its qualification at the expense of Nigeria.

The Black Stars have struggled for form this year, winning just two of their 12 games, with Addo taking charge following a group-stage exit from the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

However, Paintsil is convinced the team will come good and make an impact with the right selection.

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“My expectation for Ghana is very, very high,” Paintsil told BBC Sport Africa.

“Otto Addo and his staff know what they are looking for. The coaches must stand firm and believe in their abilities.

“Every coach should know his 1st XI at this time. The little time they will have with the boys, they will do their best to blend them and become one team,” the former Fulham defender added.

The West Africans are the lowest-ranked side at the World Cup – at 61st in the world – and will face Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay in Group H.

Ghana will officially open camp on November 10 in Abu Dhabi and will take on Switzerland in their final preparatory game on November 17.

Otto Addo is expected to name his final squad of November 14 before the friendly game.