News Focus
- Amad Diallo scores 90th-minute winner for Ivory Coast
- Ecuador hit the woodwork three times in narrow defeat
- Manchester United forward settles tight World Cup clash
- Ivory Coast open campaign with three points in Philadelphia
- Nineteen-year-old Yan Diomande impresses for the Elephants
Manchester United winger Amad Diallo struck a dramatic late goal to give Ivory Coast a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in their FIFA World Cup opener in Philadelphia.
The 22-year-old found the bottom corner in the 90th minute to separate two evenly-matched sides. He controlled the ball on the edge of the box and finished calmly inside the near post after a powerful run and cross from Wilfried Singo.
Ecuador will feel unfortunate after hitting the frame of the goal three times. Enner Valencia missed the best chance of the first half when he fired over the bar following a slip by defender Emmanuel Agbadou. John Yeboah struck the bar from distance, while Alan Minda also hit the woodwork after a clever through-ball from Pedro Vite.
Ivory Coast threatened mainly through 19-year-old Yan Diomande on the right flank. The teenager caused constant problems, but his teammates could not convert the chances. Elye Wahi turned one cross onto the crossbar, while Nicholas Pepê wasted another opening by taking too long to shoot.
The South Americans started the second half strongly. Valencia struck the outside of the post after combining with Gonzalo Plata. However, Ivory Coast grew into the match as the half progressed. Diomande twice broke into the penalty area but fired high and wide on both occasions.
Goalkeeper Yahia Fofana made a fine save from Plata’s long-range effort. Joel Ordóñez also headed over from a set-piece. But the African side found the breakthrough when substitute Amad steered the ball home to seal the three points.