Diallo nets injury-time winner as Ivory Coast stun Ecuador to open Group E account
Emboldened by a statement victory over France earlier this month, Ivory Coast came close to scoring an early opener when Bazoumana Toure’s composed shot forced Hernan Galindez to make a low save at full stretch.
That proved to be one of several promising opportunities in a fast-paced first half, which saw Ecuador hit the woodwork of Yahia Fofana’s goal either side of the hydration break.
First, John Yeboah nearly profited from Sebastian Beccacece’s high-pressing approach when he pounced on Emmanuel Agbadou’s miscontrol outside the box and curled a fierce left-footed strike against the crossbar, before Alan Minda struck the same piece of woodwork after being put through on goal by Pedro Vite’s deft through ball.
Once play resumed in the second period, that same crossbar continued to be a source of frustration, but this time it denied Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi, who swept a first-time effort against the upright after being set up by the dangerous Yan Diomande.
After weathering a period of Ivory Coast pressure, La Tri finally rediscovered their threat from the first period when Gonzalo Plata stung the goalkeeper’s gloves with a powerful drive that energised the significant Ecuadorian support in Philadelphia.
While they could not find a way past Fofana, the South Americans appeared to be on course for a useful point until they were left stunned by Amad Diallo’s dramatic, late winner.
Wilfried Singo powered forward from his own half and drove into the box before he laid the ball across for the Manchester United star to guide it beyond Galindez’s reach, condemning Ecuador to their first defeat since September 2024.
The jubilant victors will now carry momentum into a difficult clash against four-time World Cup winners Germany, while La Tri now know they can ill afford to slip up against tournament debutants Curacao if they are to avoid a repeat of their group-stage exit in Qatar.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast)