Ivory Coast began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a late win against Ecuador courtesy of a late strike from Amad Diallo.
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, they were very dominant and had struck the crossbar twice in the first half.
In the second half, veteran striker Enner Valencia then hit the post from a tight angle for the South American side but was later ruled out as an offside goal shortly before the late substitute Amad Diallo came in off the bench to hand Ivory Coast their first win of the tournament.
Ivory Coast also hit the woodwork when Nice forward Elye Wahi shot against the bar early in the second half, before the Manchester United player eventually get the winner from a Singo’s assist against an Ecuador side who had previously kept 12 clean sheets in 19 games under manager Sebastian Beccacece.
Ivory Coast will take on Germany on 20th of June while Ecuador face Curacao the following day.
