Jonathan David scored the only goal in Kansas as Jesse Marsch's side boosted its hopes of progressing to the knockout stages from Group A.

The Lille striker struck 16 minutes from time to move the Canucks up to second place behind reigning champion Argentina, which beat it 2-0 in its opener, with 26 of his 27 international goals coming in competitive matches.

It gave Canada only its third victory over a South American opponent, and first since a 2-0 win over Colombia in the 2000 Gold Cup final.

Canada also kept its first clean sheet against a team from the CONMEBOL region since holding Brazil to a goalless draw in the 2001 Confederations Cup.

"We're going to enjoy the moment, but know the work isn't done," Davies said. 

Canada's first Copa America victory came in its second match, with Panama the only CONCACAF nation to achieve its maiden win in its opening match in the competition - doing so eight years ago.

Marsch's side faces Chile in its final group encounter on Sunday, when a draw may be enough to take it through to the quarter-finals.

"We have everything to fight for in the last game," David said.