Diallo's 90th-minute winner gives Ivory Coast a 1-0 over Ecuador in Philadelphia
An agonising Amad Diallo goal settles a fiery Group E clash and launches the Ivorians.
Ivory Coast claimed a golden narrow win over Ecuador (1-0) at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, the raucous home of the NFL's Eagles transformed to host 2026 World Cup football in the heart of the US east coast. A tight, intense and abrasive contest was decided at the very last gasp.
The only goal came in the 90th minute: Amad Diallo finished off an assist from Wilfried Singo to spark Ivorian euphoria and break Ecuadorian resistance just when a draw seemed sealed. A cruel ending for a Tri side that had held firm with discipline for much of the match.
The match's edge was reflected in the cards. Ivory Coast racked up three first-half yellows -- Seko Fofana (28), Franck Kessié (38) and Guéla Doué (40) -- while for Ecuador Jackson Porozo (73) was booked. The clash demanded composure from both sides in a midfield battle.
Emerse Fae went with a 4-4-2 featuring Yahia Fofana in goal, the Kessié-Seko Fofana double pivot and the Nicolas Pépé-Elye Wahi strike pairing. Sebastián Beccacece replied with another 4-4-2 for Ecuador, with Hernán Galíndez between the posts, Moisés Caicedo in the centre and Enner Valencia and John Yeboah up front. Two mirror systems that turned the game into a test of patience.
With this win, Ivory Coast make a statement in Group E and bank three crucial points, while Ecuador suffer a painful opening defeat. In a 2026 World Cup of 48 nations spread across the USA, Mexico and Canada, scraping points to the limit can make all the difference in sealing qualification.