Ivory Coast vs Ecuador FIFA World Cup Match Result: Amado Diallo’s 90th-minute strike breaks Ecuador hearts as Ivory Coast return to victory

Ivory Coast’s Ibrahim Sangare (18) carries teammate Amado Diallo (15) as he celebrates victory. (AP photo) Ivory Coast marked their long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup in dramatic fashion as substitute Amad Diallo struck in the 90th minute to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ecuador in a pulsating Group E encounter at the Philadelphia Stadium on Monday morning.Les Éléphants, making their first World Cup appearance since 2014, looked destined to settle for a goalless draw before Manchester United winger Diallo produced a moment of brilliance right at the death. The substitute, who latched on to Wilfried Sing’s fierce drive from the right, calmly curled his left foot past the diving goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez to hand his team a priceless three points.The late winner moved Cote d’Ivoire level on points with Germany, who beat Curaçao 7-1 in their group opener.

Amad delivers when it matters most

The match was an entertaining affair long before Diallo’s intervention. Ecuador, supported by a crowd of more than 68,000 mostly dressed in the yellow colors of La Tri, came close several times in the first half.John Yeboah rattled the crossbar with a great effort before Nilson Angulo also hit the woodwork after being put through by Pedro Vite. Despite Ecuador’s bright start, Ivory Coast gradually grew into the contest through the lively Yan Diomande.The 19-year-old Leipzig forward, who became the first teenager to represent Ivory Coast at the World Cup, constantly troubled Ecuador’s defense with his pace and direct running. His dangerous deliveries created several chances, including one when Elye Wahi hit the crossbar in the 52nd minute.

Woodwork denies both sides before the decisive blow

The second half remained open, with Ecuador captain Enner Valencia and Gonzalo Plata threatening while goalkeeper Yahia Fofana produced a superb save to keep the Africans level.Just when Ecuador’s 19-game unbeaten run looked set to survive, Ivory Coast seized a decisive moment. Diallo, introduced midway through the second half, proved to be the decisive factor, sending the traveling supporters into wild celebrations with their injury-time winner.After a 12-year absence, Ivory Coast returned to football’s biggest stage and took a significant step towards reaching the knockout stages for the first time in their history.They next face four-time champions Germany, while Ecuador will look to bounce back against World Cup debutants Curaçao.