Ivorian winger Amad Diallo’s 90-minute strike was the difference as Cote d`Ivoire defeated Ecuador in their first group match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in group E.
The Manchester United forward who came on later in the game was set up by Wilfred Singo who broke down the right wing and delivered a pass for Amad; the winger slotted home from the age of the box.
Ecuador came close to scoring twice in the first half but saw both strikes from Yeboah and Minda struck the cross bar.
The defeat brought an end to Ecuador’s 19-game unbeaten run and they will hope to come back to winning ways against group E underdogs Curacao on Saturday.
The win gave Cote d`Ivoire important three points as they square up against Germany on Saturday. The Germans are top of the group of E after thrashing Curacao 7-1 earlier.
Ivorian coach Emerse Fae, said his side were hoping to create more space after the first half.
“We went back to the dressing room at 0-0 and second half we told ourselves we would have more space and should keep focus because in the first half we lost the ball,” Fae said.
“Two or three times we gave the opponent opportunities, but we held firm and notched up a good three points,” Fae added.
The Elephants became the first African team to win their opening World Cup match since Senegal defeated Poland on June 19, 2018. (Reuters/NAN)
