Amad the Hero as Ivory Coast Win
A dramatic 90th minute winner fro substitute Amad Diallo enabled Ivory Coast to beat Ecuador 1-0 in their Group E match and make a winning return to the tournament after a 12-year absence.
The loss ended Ecuador's 19-match unbeaten run also came to an end. In a tight contest at the Philadelphia Stadium, the breakthrough finally arrived when Wilfried Singo surged down the right flank and cut the ball back for Manchester united winger Diallo to guide a left-footed effort into the far corner.
Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae lauded his side's matured performance and ambition after the victory, adding that they would not be intimidated in their battle against Germany next in the group stage.
"We came here with the intention of winning and qualifying for the knockout stages. The players stayed focused and showed great character," Fae said.
"We know Germany will be a very difficult opponent, but we have confidence in our players and our project."
Ecuador captain Moises Caicedo was disappointed after the defeat but urged his side to respond quickly.
"It's painful because we had chances and controlled parts of the game, but we have to recover mentally and move forward."
Ivory Coast face Germany next while Ecuador face Curacao.
Your votes are in – Yan Diomande is the Superior Player of the Match! 👏
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 15, 2026
#FIFAWorldCup #SuperiorPOTM pic.twitter.com/HFfKZXWuqy
Player of the Match: Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast)
