Amad fires Ivory Coast to first African win of 2026 World Cup

Manchester United winger Amad Diallo struck in the 90th minute to hand Ivory Coast a dramatic 1-0 victory over Ecuador in their opening Group E match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the first win by an African country.

The late goal secured all three points for the Elephants at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, ended Ecuador’s 19-match unbeaten run, and delivered the first victory by an African nation at the 2026 World Cup.

Ivory Coast started brightly and nearly took an early lead when Bazoumana Touré forced Hernán Galíndez into a low save.

However, Ecuador responded strongly and twice hit the woodwork in the first half.

John Yeboah was first denied by the crossbar after capitalising on a defensive mistake before Alan Minda struck the same piece of woodwork after being played through by Pedro Vite.

The crossbar continued to play a key role after the break. This time it frustrated Ivory Coast as Elye Wahi rattled the frame of the goal with a first-time effort after good work from Yan Diomande.

Ecuador continued to threaten and Gonzalo Plata tested Yahia Fofana with a powerful drive as La Tri searched for the breakthrough in front of a large travelling support.

With both sides appearing destined to settle for a draw, Ivory Coast found the decisive moment just before full time.

Wilfried Singo surged forward from his own half and drove into the penalty area before cutting the ball back to Diallo.

The substitute, introduced in the 56th minute, opened his body and calmly guided a first-time left-footed finish beyond Galíndez and into the far corner.

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The goal secured a massive victory for the Elephants and registered as the latest winning goal scored by a substitute in a World Cup match in regulation time since 2006.

The result leaves Ivory Coast level on three points with Germany in Group E after the four-time world champions thrashed Curaçao 7-1 earlier in the day.

The jubilant Ivorians will now carry momentum into a difficult clash against Germany, while Ecuador face tournament debutants Curaçao knowing another slip-up could leave their hopes of reaching the knockout stage hanging in the balance.

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