Jose Pekerman: 'Colombia among the favourites for Copa America'

Colombia head coach Jose Pekerman has claimed that his side are among the favourites to win this year's Copa America.

The former Argentina manager said that his team's performance at last summer's World Cup finals makes them one of the frontrunners for the trophy.

"We see it as an obligation to do well and we are candidates because the majority of our players were in that World Cup team," he told Mundo Deportivo.

"We want to build on what we achieved over there. This team should be protagonists here and we must continue to compete for the top places.

"We are looking to find balance and make a strong start to our Copa campaign. Everybody knows that our responsibility is to try and win the Copa America."

Colombia have been drawn in Group C along with Peru, Venezuela and Brazil. Their campaign kicks off against Venezuela in Rancagua on Sunday.