Diomande Sets Sights On History After Ivory Coast’s Winning Start

Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande has declared that the Elephants are targeting a historic World Cup run after opening their campaign with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Ecuador.

Substitute Amad Diallo scored a 90th-minute winner in Philadelphia on Sunday to hand the West Africans all three points and boost their hopes of reaching the knockout stages for the first time.

“It’s always great to start with a win because it builds confidence,” Diomande said. “We know Ecuador are a strong team. We stayed patient, waited for our chance and took it.”

The RB Leipzig star, who has attracted interest from several leading European clubs, insisted Ivory Coast have not travelled to North America merely to participate.

“We haven’t come here just to be part of it all. We want to make history,” he said.

Ivory Coast, appearing at their first World Cup since 2014, face a stern test against four-time champions Germany in Toronto on 20 June after the Germans thrashed Curacao 7-1 in their opener.

Coach Emerse Fae admitted his players initially struggled with nerves during their World Cup return, with Ecuador striking the woodwork twice in the first half.

“The players were a bit tense because it was a first World Cup for many of them,” Fae said. “But we stayed in the game and were much better in the second half.”

The defeat ended Ecuador’s 19-match unbeaten run, but captain Enner Valencia remains confident his side can recover.

“This squad has overcome difficult situations before and I’m sure we will again,” he said.