Amad Diallo scored a 90th-minute winner as Côte d'Ivoire edged Ecuador in a breathless contest in which the woodwork was struck four times.
The match, somehow, seemed to be heading for a goalless draw before substitute Amad expertly caressed a shot into the bottom corner to spark scenes of joyous celebration.
The first half of the match was wildly entertaining. Ecuador’s John Yeboah was the first to be denied by the frame of the goal, with his venomous strike from outside the area crashing against the crossbar. Soon after, Alan Minda had a golden opportunity when he was played in by a perfectly-weighted Pedro Vite pass. His curling effort also struck the bar, with goalkeeper Yahia Fofana beaten.
It was not one-way traffic, though. Yan Diomande was an electric presence for Côte d'Ivoire on the right flank, regularly advancing into dangerous areas, while Bazoumana Toure’s low drive forced a fingertip stop from Hernan Galindez.
Chances continued to flow early in the second half, with Enner Valencia smashing a shot off the post from a tight angle. It was then Les Elephants' turn to hit the woodwork. Elye Wahi made a solid connection with his first-time strike but couldn’t keep it down and it cannoned off the bar.
Côte d'Ivoire began to seize control of the match, enjoying most of the possession as Ecuador retreated. They got their reward for their enterprising play late in the piece when Manchester United star Amad slotted in to send them top of Group E
At 19 years and 212 days, Yan Diomande became the first teenager to make an appearance in a FIFA World Cup™ match for Côte d’Ivoire.
"We needed that. We came here to make history. We still have two more matches ahead of us, and we need to approach them with the same mentality and try to win them. We had to stay focused. We knew it was going to be a difficult match because we know the Ecuadorian players – they're physically very strong. They caused us problems, of course, but we stayed composed and remained focused. Amad Diallo, Côte d'Ivoire goalscorer
“We fought hard, we succeeded, and we’re all delighted. It’s always a pleasure to represent your country. It’s tough and it’s stressful because we’re representing nearly 33 million people. We’re playing for our families, our friends, our loved ones, and in this kind of competition we all want to give it our all. We want to win every match. We want to make our mark on history, and that’s what we’re all trying to do together.” Yan Diomande, Côte d'Ivoire winger and Superior Player of the Match
Sources: FIFA Official
