Manchester United winger Amad Diallo came off the bench to score the winner in the 90th minute, ending Ecuador’s 19-match unbeaten streak and securing the Elephants’ first World Cup victory since 2014.
Ivory Coast snatched a dramatic 1-0 victory over Ecuador in their Group E opener at the Philadelphia Stadium, as substitute Amad Diallo struck in the 90th minute to shatter a historic 19-game unbeaten run for the South Americans.
Ecuador dominated early proceedings and came agonisingly close on multiple occasions. John Yeboah and Alan Minda both struck the crossbar in the opening half-hour, while veteran Enner Valencia also hit the woodwork early in the second half. The South Americans controlled possession with 51 percent and registered ten shots, four on target.
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Ivory Coast manager Emerse Faé made critical tactical adjustments after a first half in which his side was heavily controlled. He introduced Diallo in the 55th minute to inject pace into the attack, a decision that ultimately decided the match.
In the 89th minute, Wilfried Singo made a lung-busting run down the right flank to deliver the assist. Diallo, the Manchester United winger, calmly side-footed the ball into the bottom corner, sending the African supporters in the sold-out crowd of 68,274 into delirium.
The victory marked Ivory Coast’s first World Cup win in 12 years, since the 2014 tournament in Brazil, and their first-ever tournament victory against South American opposition. The Elephants finished with 16 shots, four on target, and 49 percent possession.
According to a report by Accra Street Journal, following Day 4 action, Ivory Coast sits second in Group E, level on three points with Germany, who thrashed Curaçao 7-1 earlier in the day. Ivory Coast’s chances of advancing to the Round of 32 have surged to 95 percent, while Ecuador must now fight back in their remaining matches to keep their knockout hopes alive.
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on June 15, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
