News Focus
- Amad Diallo scores in the 90th minute to secure a 1-0 win for Ivory Coast
- The Manchester United forward started the match on the substitutes’ bench
- Ecuador struck the crossbar twice during a dominant first-half performance
- The victory marks Ivory Coast’s first World Cup win in 12 years
- The African champions face Germany in their next group match
Manchester United winger Amad Diallo climbed off the bench to fire a last-minute winner for Ivory Coast. His 90th-minute strike sealed a 1-0 victory against Ecuador in their FIFA World Cup Group E clash.
Manager Emerse Fae surprised many supporters by leaving the 22-year-old out of the starting eleven. Amad entered the pitch in the 56th minute, replacing Bazoumana Toure. He needed just over half an hour to change the game.
Deep into injury time, defender Wilfried Singo made a powerful run down the right flank. He delivered a low cross into the penalty area. Amad arrived at the far post and calmly side-footed the ball past Ecuador goalkeeper Hernan Galindez. The goal triggered wild celebrations among the Ivory Coast squad.
Ecuador dominated the early stages of the match. They struck the woodwork twice inside the opening 30 minutes. John Yeboah and Alan Minda both came agonisingly close to giving the South Americans an early lead.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations champions improved after the break. Elye Wahi also hit the crossbar for Ivory Coast during the second half. The introduction of fresh attackers, including Amad and Ange-Yoan Bonny, added new energy to the team’s forward play.
The win marks exactly 12 years since Ivory Coast’s previous victory at a World Cup finals. The result also ended Ecuador’s 19-match unbeaten streak.
Fae now faces a selection dilemma ahead of the clash with Germany. Amad’s match-winning display makes him a strong candidate to start. However, the manager must also address defensive concerns. Ecuador created several clear chances despite scoring only 14 goals during their 18 qualification matches. A German side that netted seven goals in their opening fixture will provide a much sterner test.