Image: from Opta Analyst X @OptaAnalyst
By Open Chronicle with agencies
Ivory Coast made a dream start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a dramatic 1,0 victory over Ecuador, thanks to a last-minute goal from substitute Amad Diallo in one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament so far.
Played in Philadelphia, the Group E encounter delivered relentless action, spectacular goalkeeping, and countless chances, even if the scoreboard remained untouched for almost 90 minutes. In the end, the African side found the breakthrough they had been searching for, securing three precious points and moving level with Germany at the top of the group.
The match was a showcase of attacking football despite the lack of goals for most of the evening. Both teams struck the woodwork, created dangerous opportunities in the final third, and forced their opponents’ goalkeepers into a series of outstanding saves. The pace rarely dropped, with Ecuador and the Ivory Coast trading attacks in a contest that kept supporters on the edge of their seats.
IVORY COAST SCORES ITS FIRST GOAL OF THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP AND LEADS ECUADOR LATE! 🇨🇮 pic.twitter.com/0AHAu09quE
— Duke of Benin (@officialduke12) June 15, 2026
Just when it seemed the match was destined to end in a goalless draw, the Ivory Coast found a moment of inspiration. Defender Odilon Kossounou surged forward in the closing stages and helped launch the decisive move before Wilfried Singo delivered a precise assist for Amad Diallo. The Manchester United winger, who had come off the bench, kept his composure and slotted home in the 90th minute to spark wild celebrations among the Ivorian players and fans.
The late strike not only secured victory but also handed the Ivory Coast an excellent opportunity to break their World Cup group stage curse, finally. In their previous three appearances at the tournament, the Elephants had failed to advance beyond the opening round. This opening win provides a strong foundation as they aim to reach the knockout stages for the first time.
Ecuador, meanwhile, will be left frustrated after an energetic display that produced plenty of attacking intent but lacked the finishing touch. Despite matching their opponents for long periods and creating several promising opportunities, they were ultimately punished by a single lapse in concentration at the end.
The result completes the opening round of Group E, with Ivory Coast joining Germany at the top of the standings. Germany had earlier delivered a commanding 7,1 victory over tournament debutants Curaçao, setting up what promises to be a fascinating battle for qualification.
For the Ivory Coast, however, the spotlight belongs to Amad Diallo, whose late intervention transformed an exciting contest into a memorable World Cup night and gave his country a priceless three points.
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