Diallo Scores Injury-Time Winner as Ivory Coast Stun Ecuador to Open Group E Account
Ivory Coast has stunned Ecuador with a 90th-minute winner, securing a 1-0 victory in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group E opener and ending Ecuador's 19-game unbeaten run.
The Ivory Coast came close to scoring early on, with Bazoumana Toure's shot forcing Hernan Galindez to make a low stop. Ecuador then struck the frame of Yahia Fofana's goal on two occasions in the first half, with John Yeboah and Alan Minda both hitting the crossbar.
In the second period, Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi also found the crossbar, before Ecuador's Gonzalo Plata tested the goalkeeper with a powerful drive. However, it was Amad Diallo who scored the decisive goal, guiding the ball past Galindez after being set up by Wilfried Singo.
The win gives Ivory Coast momentum ahead of their clash with Germany, while Ecuador must now avoid defeat against Curaçao to prevent a repeat of their group-stage exit in Qatar. Yan Diomande was instrumental for the Ivory Coast, creating several scoring opportunities throughout the match.
The 2026 World Cup, featuring 48 national teams, is being held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11th to July 19th.
The Ivory Coast came close to scoring early on, with Bazoumana Toure's shot forcing Hernan Galindez to make a low stop. Ecuador then struck the frame of Yahia Fofana's goal on two occasions in the first half, with John Yeboah and Alan Minda both hitting the crossbar.
In the second period, Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi also found the crossbar, before Ecuador's Gonzalo Plata tested the goalkeeper with a powerful drive. However, it was Amad Diallo who scored the decisive goal, guiding the ball past Galindez after being set up by Wilfried Singo.
The win gives Ivory Coast momentum ahead of their clash with Germany, while Ecuador must now avoid defeat against Curaçao to prevent a repeat of their group-stage exit in Qatar. Yan Diomande was instrumental for the Ivory Coast, creating several scoring opportunities throughout the match.
The 2026 World Cup, featuring 48 national teams, is being held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11th to July 19th.
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