Amad Joins Ivory Coast’s World Cup Roll of Honour with Late Ecuador Winner

Amad Diallo became the 10th Ivorian player to score at the FIFA World Cup tournament as his dramatic 90th-minute strike secured a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in the Elephants’ opening Group E match.

The Manchester United winger joined a select list that includes Didier Drogba, Yaya Touré, Gervinho and Wilfried Bony after delivering the decisive moment in a contest that appeared destined to end goalless. His late intervention not only earned Ivory Coast three valuable points but also ensured the country celebrated a new World Cup goalscorer for the first time since the 2014 tournament.

For long stretches, the contest appeared headed for a stalemate as Ecuador threatened more frequently and Ivory Coast struggled to carve out clear opportunities. But just when the South Americans seemed set to earn a point, Amad delivered the decisive blow, sparking celebrations among Ivorian supporters inside the stadium.

The match began at a frantic pace, with physical challenges setting the tone early. Franck Kessié was involved in an altercation after bringing down Ecuador captain Enner Valencia in the opening minutes, while both sides pressed aggressively in midfield.

Ecuador looked the more dangerous side before halftime. Valencia repeatedly tested the Ivorian defence and Moisés Caicedo came closest to breaking the deadlock when his powerful effort crashed against the crossbar; one of 3 times the bar came to the rescue of either side. Despite enjoying the better openings, Ecuador could not find a way past the resilient West African side.

Ivory Coast’s frustrations grew as Kessié and Guéla Doué were both booked before the interval in a first half littered with fouls and interruptions. The Elephants remained disciplined defensively and reached the break with the score still locked at 0-0.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Ecuador enjoyed periods of possession and territorial advantage, while Ivory Coast relied on quick transitions and moments of individual quality from Yan Diomande. Chances remained scarce as both teams cancelled each other out in a tense tactical battle.

As the clock ticked towards full time, a draw looked the most likely outcome. Instead, Ivory Coast found the breakthrough at the perfect moment. Emerse Faé’s tactical adjustment proved decisive when Odilon Kossounou replaced Guéla Doué, allowing Wilfried Singo to move into his natural right-back position.

The switch transformed the attack. Singo surged forward on a powerful run from deep inside his own half before delivering a ball into the penalty area, where Amad arrived to pass it into the net.

Ecuador pushed forward desperately during stoppage time but could not find an equaliser, and the final whistle confirmed a crucial three points for the Elephants.

The result gives Ivory Coast an early advantage in Group E ahead of a daunting clash with Germany, while Ecuador are left needing a positive result against Curaçao to revive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.