Manchester United winger Amad Diallo came off the bench to score a 90th-minute winner as Ivory Coast defeated Ecuador 1-0 in their opening Group E match at the 2026 World Cup.
The Elephants secured a vital three points in their first World Cup appearance since 2014, boosting their chances of reaching the knockout stage for the first time in their history.
Amad, who started on the bench, produced a composed finish after a surging run by Wilfried Singo down the right flank.
“It was such a difficult finish from Amad,” said former England striker Ellen White on BBC commentary. “We were waiting for someone to have a bit of composure and calmness in this game and that was him.”
Ecuador hit the woodwork three times but failed to find the net, ending a lengthy unbeaten run. Ivory Coast also struck the bar through Elye Wahi.
The win puts Ivory Coast in a strong position in Group E alongside Germany, with Ecuador facing an uphill task in their remaining fixtures.
Amad described the victory as a step towards making history.
“We came here to make history,” he said. “We still have two more matches ahead of us, and we need to approach them with the same mentality and try to win them.”
