Amad Diallo's Late Winner Sends Ivory Coast Past Ecuador

Amad Diallo came off the bench and scored in the 90th minute to give Ivory Coast a 1-0 win over Ecuador in a fast, lively World Cup match on the night between Sunday and Monday. The decisive goal came after a strong pass from Wilfried Singo, and it gave Ivory Coast a major boost toward the round of 32.

The game, played in front of 60,254 spectators, featured quality play from both sides but very little midfield control, with the action swinging from one penalty area to the other. Ivory Coast and Ecuador each hit the woodwork repeatedly, three times for Ivory Coast and once for Ecuador, for a total of four shots off the post or crossbar. The first half was especially physical and foul-filled, but the pace and tension never disappeared.

Ecuador fielded William Pacho of Paris Saint-Germain and Moises Caicedo of Chelsea, while Ivory Coast started Yan Diomande of Leipzig and Nicolas Pepe of Villarreal. Diomande stood out with his individual play, but Diallo ultimately decided the match. The Manchester United forward did not start, yet his pace and sharpness off the bench made the difference, as the report noted he has become an important player under Michael Carrick.

Ivory Coast had already beaten France 2-1 in preparation and now sits in a strong position to advance. Ecuador, which finished second in South American qualifying behind Argentina, will regret not taking advantage of its chances. Both teams remain well placed to move on, helped by the presence of Germany and Curacao in the group, with four points likely to be enough and goal difference expected to decide third place. In the next round, Germany face Ivory Coast, while Ecuador play Curacao in a South American derby.