World Cup 2026: Ivory Coast snatch it at the death against Ecuador, with Amad Diallo the night’s hero
Ivory Coast had not won at the World Cup since June 14, 2014, against Japan. Twelve years on in Philadelphia, the Elephants finally snapped that run in style. Amad Diallo, introduced after the break, sealed victory with a cool finish in the 90th minute after a powerful Wilfried Singo surge from deep (1-0). A late strike that wipes away a long stretch of frustration and gives Ivory Coast’s long-awaited return to the global stage the perfect start after their absence since 2014.
The first half, though, was all Ecuador for long spells. John Yeboah, the Germany-born Venezia winger, rattled the bar with a lovely left-footed curler in the 24th minute after an earlier effort had gone begging. Alan Minda did the same with a slick team move (30th), and Moises Caicedo clipped the post from a tight angle (46th). Three Ecuador efforts hit the woodwork before half-time, while Ivory Coast’s Wahi also smacked the bar (52nd). Fine margins, nothing else.
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Yan Diomande sparkled, and Ivory Coast are eyeing the last 16
The Leipzig youngster was the heartbeat of the Ivory Coast attack. At 19, after scoring 13 goals for his club this season, Yan Diomande tried just about everything to cap his World Cup debut with a goal. A dangerous volley (50th), a right-footed shot just over after powering through three defenders (56th), a near-assist for Wahi (52nd) and a constant menace to Piero Hincapie. The Arsenal defender may not be the only one at this tournament to have a long night against this Ivorian livewire.
This win gives Ivory Coast a strong chance of reaching the knockout rounds for the first time in their history. In a format where eight of the 12 third-placed teams go through to the last 16, opening with a victory is a huge boost. The Elephants had to dig in, survived three hits on their own woodwork and nearly had to settle for a draw. But it is they who leave with the three points, thanks to that flash of brilliance from Amad Diallo that will live long in Ivorian memory.
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