Ivory Coast began their World Cup campaign with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Ecuador in Philadelphia, as Amad Diallo struck a 90th-minute winner to settle a tightly contested Group Stage encounter. The Manchester United winger’s late goal proved decisive in a match that remained goalless for long periods despite numerous chances at both ends.
The game was played in front of a strong Ecuadorian crowd at Philadelphia Stadium, adding to the intensity of a fiercely competitive contest. Ecuador started brightly, with Moisés Caicedo testing his luck inside the opening minutes, though his effort failed to hit the target.
Despite early pressure, Ecuador were unable to capitalise on their chances. Enner Valencia missed a golden opportunity in the 10th minute, failing to connect properly with a low cross from Piero Hincapié.
Ivory Coast, however, also threatened. In the 17th minute, Franck Kessié created space for a shot that narrowly went wide. Nicolas Pépé later forced a crucial block from Alan Franco in the 35th minute as the African side grew into the game.
Both teams came close before the break, with Jean Yeboah striking the crossbar in the 23rd minute after a defensive error, while Alan Minda also saw a powerful effort rebound off the woodwork in the 30th minute. Wilfried Singo nearly produced a spectacular overhead kick in stoppage time, but it sailed just over as the first half ended goalless.
The second half continued in the same intense fashion. Valencia again went close from a tight angle in the 46th minute, while Ivory Coast struck the woodwork for a third time when Oumar Diomandé’s cross led to a close-range effort from Elié Wahy hitting the bar in the 52nd minute.
Ecuador also threatened in the 68th minute, but goalkeeper Yahia Fofana produced a fine save to deny a curling effort from Plata.
As the match seemed destined for a draw, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 90th minute. Wilfried Singo drove forward from his own half and delivered a precise cutback into the box, where substitute Amad Diallo calmly finished with a left-footed strike into the bottom corner, leaving goalkeeper Galíndez helpless.
Ecuador pushed forward in stoppage time and won a late corner, but Ivory Coast’s defence, led by Kossonou, held firm under pressure to secure all three points.
It was a frustrating night for Ecuador, who were left to rue multiple missed chances and two efforts against the crossbar, while Ivory Coast celebrated a hard-fought and dramatic opening win to their World Cup campaign.
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