World Cup 2026. Sub Amad Strikes To Give Ivory Coast Perfect Start

Manchester United winger Amad Diallo scored a superb 90th-minute winner as Ivory Coast beat Ecuador in Philadelphia.

It was a stunning finish as the substitute opened his left foot to divert the ball into the corner after a powerful run from Wilfried Singo – and it ended a 19-game unbeaten run stretching for almost two years for Ecuador.

Amad was a surprise exclusion from Ivory Coast’s starting line-up on their return to the World Cup for the first time in 12 years.

But he made a major impact with the winner which gives them a huge chance to qualify out of Group E – which also includes Germany and Curacao – and reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history.

Ecuador hit the woodwork three times but could not find a breakthrough as John Yeboah and Alan Minda struck the bar in the first half.

Veteran striker Enner Valencia then hit the post from a tight angle in the second half for the South American side.

It was an even game, though Ecuador did not have a shot on target until the 68th minute when Gonzalo Plata forced Ivorian keeper Yahia Fofana into a save.

Ivory Coast also hit the woodwork when Nice forward Elye Wahi shot against the bar early in the second half.

It looked like Ecuador, who had previously kept 12 clean sheets in 19 games under manager Sebastian Beccacece, had done enough to stifle Ivory Coast’s attack including star man Yan Diomande until Amad found the winner.