Amad Diallo's 90th-minute goal gives Ivory Coast 1-0 win over Ecuador in World Cup group E opener
Substitute Amad Diallo scored in the 90th minute to secure a 1-0 victory for Ivory Coast against Ecuador in their World Cup Group E match, after a contest in which both sides hit the woodwork three times.
Ivory Coast and Ecuador began their World Cup campaigns with a tense encounter decided by a single goal deep in stoppage time. The Group E fixture, which followed Germany's 7-1 thrashing of Curaçao earlier in the day, remained goalless until Amad Diallo's intervention.
Early chances and missed opportunities
The match started with Ecuador creating the first clear chance. In the 11th minute, Enner Valencia found space after a defensive slip but fired over the crossbar. Ivory Coast responded through Bazoumana Touré, who was presented with a one-on-one opportunity in the 17th minute but couldn't even hit the target. Elye Wahi then squandered a good opening in the 18th minute, scuffing his shot straight at goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez.
Crossbars rattle in both halves
The woodwork dominated the narrative. John Yeboah, a familiar figure to Polish fans from his time in the Ekstraklasa, unleashed a long-range strike that crashed against the crossbar in the 24th minute. Six minutes later, Alan Minda was even closer for Ecuador, striking the bar with a point-blank effort after a neat build-up. The second half began in similar fashion when Wahi, following a surging run and cross from Yan Diomande, saw his shot cannon off the upright in the 52nd minute, the third crossbar hit of the match.
Diallo delivers the decisive blow
With the game seemingly drifting toward a draw, Ivory Coast found the breakthrough in the final minute. Wilfried Singo burst down the right flank and delivered a low cross into the box, where substitute Diallo, on since the 56th minute, met it with a composed finish past Galíndez. The goal sparked wild celebrations and gave the Ivorians all three points in their opening fixture.
- Enner Valencia misses a clear chance for Ecuador after a defensive slip.
- Bazoumana Touré misses a one-on-one for Ivory Coast.
- John Yeboah's long-range strike hits the crossbar for Ecuador.
- Alan Minda strikes the crossbar for Ecuador from close range.
- Elye Wahi's shot crashes off the crossbar for Ivory Coast.
- Gonzalo Plata's shot is saved by Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.
- Amad Diallo scores from Wilfried Singo's cross to win the match 1-0.
Group E standings take shape
Earlier, Germany had dismantled Curaçao 7-1, the biggest win of the tournament so far. Ivory Coast's victory places them level with Germany at the top of Group E, with Ecuador and Curaçao still seeking their first points. The remaining group matches will likely determine the second qualifying spot behind the heavily favored Germans.
