Manchester United winger Amad Diallo scored a superb 90th-minute winner to secure a vital 1–0 victory for Ivory Coast against Ecuador in their opening Group E match at the FIFA World Cup.
The substitute produced a stunning first-time finish, opening up his left foot to guide the ball into the far corner following a powerful individual run from defender Wilfried Singo. The dramatic strike shattered Ecuador’s remarkable 19-game unbeaten streak, which had stretched back nearly two years.
Diallo’s omission from the starting line-up had been a surprise ahead of kickoff, as the Elephants marked their return to the global tournament for the first time in 12 years. However, his late cameo has handed the African nation a massive advantage as they look to qualify for the knockout stages.
Ivory Coast now sit in a strong position in Group E, which also features Germany and Curaçao. The Elephants will face Germany in their next fixture on June 20, knowing that a victory will guarantee them a historic spot in the round of 16 for the first time in their history.
–ChannelAfrica–
