Diallo's late goal gives Ivory Coast 1-0 win over Ecuador

PHILADELPHIA: Amad Diallo scored in the 90th minute to hand Ivory Coast a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in their opening Group E match at the World Cup on Sunday, after a contest that had appeared set to end goalless.

The Manchester United winger, 23, had come on for Bazoumana Toure shortly before the hour mark and made the decisive impact just before stoppage time. Wilfried Singo surged forward from defence down the right and sent in a low cross that Diallo converted first time with a side-footed finish.

The result gave Ivory Coast their first World Cup win in exactly 12 years, dating back to their victory over Japan in Brazil in 2014. The African champions of 2024 have never advanced beyond the group stage in their previous three World Cup appearances, but the win puts them in a strong position to challenge for a place in the knockout rounds for the first time.

Ecuador hit the woodwork twice

Ecuador, backed by most of the 68,274 spectators in a packed Philadelphia stadium, made the brighter openings but could not turn their chances into goals. John Yeboah struck the crossbar in the first half after capitalising on uncertain defending near the edge of the box, while Alan Minda was also denied by the woodwork on the half-hour after Pedro Vite slipped him through.

Ivory Coast also came close after the break when Elye Wahi turned a cross from Yan Diomande onto the bar. Seko Fofana later forced a save from Ecuador goalkeeper Hernan Galindez as the Ivorians looked increasingly threatening.

The match, attended by US music businessman Jay-Z, was cautious for long spells, though both teams created moments of danger. Nicolas Pepe was stopped by a last-ditch challenge after Diomande broke away from Piero Hincapie, while Ecuador's pressure earlier in the game had suggested they might build on the defensive resilience they showed in qualifying.

Strong qualifying record not enough

Ecuador came into the tournament after finishing second in South American qualifying behind Argentina under Argentine coach Sebastian Beccacece. With Willian Pacho of Paris Saint-Germain anchoring the defence and Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo in front of them, they conceded only five goals in 18 qualifying matches, although they scored 14. Eight of those games ended 0-0 and six were decided by a single goal.

Ivory Coast had entered the game confident of troubling Ecuador through the wing play of RB Leipzig's young attacker Yan Diomande and the movement of Wahi, who ended the club season with Nice in France. That belief was ultimately rewarded with Diallo's late intervention, which silenced a crowd largely dressed in yellow.

Ivory Coast next face Germany in Toronto on Saturday in Group E, while Ecuador travel to Kansas City on the same day to take on World Cup debutants Curacao, who were beaten 7-1 by Germany in Houston.