World Cup 2026 | Ivory Coast 1 - 0 Ecuador
Ivory Coast edged past Ecuador in Philadelphia
Manchester United winger Amad Diallo scored a superb 90th-minute winner to give Ivory Coast a great start to the tournament.
Author | James Y
Stadium | Philadelphia Stadium
It was a brilliant finish from the substitute, who guided the ball into the corner with his left foot after a powerful run from Wilfried Singo. The goal also brought an end to Ecuador's 19-match unbeaten run, which had stretched for almost two years.
Making a huge impact from the bench
Amad's omission from the starting line-up was a surprise as Ivory Coast returned to the World Cup for the first time in 12 years.
However, he made a decisive impact from the bench, scoring the goal that gives his side a significant chance of progressing from Group E, which also features Germany and Curacao, and reaching the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
Ecuador struck the woodwork three times but were unable to make the breakthrough, with John Yeboah and Alan Minda both hitting the crossbar in the first half.
Veteran striker Enner Valencia then rattled the post from a tight angle after the interval for the South American side.
It was an evenly contested encounter, although Ecuador did not register a shot on target until the 68th minute, when Gonzalo Plata forced Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahia Fofana into a save.
Ivory Coast also came close when Nice forward Elye Wahi struck the bar early in the second half.
Ecuador, who had kept 12 clean sheets in 19 matches under manager Sebastian Beccacece, appeared to have done enough to contain Ivory Coast's attack, including highly rated forward Yan Diomande, until Amad produced the decisive moment.
Comments
Post a Comment