Manchester United winger Amad Diallo scored in the dying seconds to hand Ivory Coast a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ecuador in their Group E World Cup opener in Philadelphia on Sunday.
The 23-year-old, introduced as a second-half substitute, finished first-time from a right-wing cross in the 90th minute to settle what had been a tightly contested affair that looked destined for a goalless draw. It is Ivory Coast’s first World Cup victory in 12 years, dating back to their win over Japan at the 2014 tournament in Brazil.
The result puts the 2024 African champions in strong contention to reach the knockout stage for the first time in their World Cup history. Ecuador, who finished second in South American qualifying behind Argentina with an exceptional defensive record — conceding just five goals in 18 games — were left to rue two first-half strikes against the woodwork from John Yeboah and Alan Minda.
Elye Wahi also hit the crossbar for Ivory Coast after the break. A crowd of 68,274, the majority dressed in Ecuador yellow, packed the Philadelphia venue but left without the result they came for.
Ivory Coast next face Germany in Toronto on Saturday, while Ecuador take on debutants Curacao in Kansas City the same day — a side thrashed 7-1 by Germany in their own opener.
