Amad Diallo’s late goal gives Ivory Coast dramatic World Cup win over Ecuador
Amad Diallo scored a dramatic 90th-minute winner as Ivory Coast edged Ecuador 1-0 in their World Cup opener. The match was tightly contested, with both teams hitting the crossbar before the decisive goal. Amad Diallo came off the bench to make the difference, finishing a low cross just as the game looked set for a draw. Ivory Coast now have renewed confidence in advancing beyond the group stage for the first time.
Match highlights
- Amad Diallo scored in the 90th minute after being substituted on for Bazoumana Toure.
- Ivory Coast’s win is their first at a World Cup in exactly 12 years, since defeating Japan in Brazil in 2014.
- Ecuador dominated the crowd at the Philadelphia stadium and hit the bar twice in the first half.
- Elye Wahi also struck the crossbar for Ivory Coast after half-time.
- The match was attended by US rap mogul Jay-Z and featured strong defensive performances from both sides.
