Manchester United winger Amad Diallo struck in the 90th minute to hand Ivory Coast a dramatic 1-0 win over Ecuador in their Group E opener at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Sunday. It’s the first victory by an African nation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The late goal ended Ecuador’s 19-match unbeaten run and snapped a goalless stalemate in front of a loud Ecuadorian crowd.
–How it happened–
Ivory Coast started on the front foot. Bazoumana Touré forced Hernán Galíndez into a low save early, but Ecuador hit back hard. John Yeboah smashed the crossbar after a defensive error, then Alan Minda struck the same woodwork after a Pedro Vite through-ball.
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The frame of the goal kept denying both sides after halftime. Elye Wahi rattled the crossbar for the Elephants, while Gonzalo Plata tested Yahia Fofana with a fierce drive as La Tri pressed.
With a draw looking certain, Wilfried Singo broke from his own half in stoppage time, drove into the box and cut the ball back. Amad, introduced in the 56th minute, opened his body and guided a first-time left-foot finish past Galíndez into the far corner.
The 90th-minute winner is the latest by a substitute in a World Cup match, in regulation time, since 2006.
–What it means–
Ivory Coast sit level on 3 points with Germany in Group E after Germany thrashed Curaçao 7-1 earlier. Momentum now with the Elephants ahead of a tough clash with the four-time champions. Ecuador, meanwhile, must beat tournament debutants Curaçao next or risk their knockout hopes fading fast.
