Ivory Coast player Ibrahim Sanjari (18 years old) carries his teammate Amad Diallo (15 years old) as they celebrate after their victory. (AP photo)
Ivory Coast celebrated their long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup Finals in dramatic fashion, with substitute Amad Diallo scoring in the 90th minute to secure a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ecuador in a thrilling Group E match at Philadelphia on Monday morning.In their first World Cup finals appearance since 2014, the Elephants looked to have finished in a goalless draw before Manchester United winger Diallo provided a moment of brilliance right at the death. The substitute latched on to Wilfried Singo’s run down the right flank, and calmly slotted a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Hernan Galindez to give his side a priceless three points.A late winner moved Ivory Coast level on points with Germany, who thrashed Curacao 7-1 in their opening group match.
Emad delivers when it matters most
The match was entertaining long before Diallo intervened. Ecuador, supported by a crowd of more than 68,000 spectators, most of whom wore the yellow color of the Lattre national team, came close to scoring several times in the first half.John Yeboah hit the crossbar with a powerful shot before Nelson Angulo hit the woodwork after a pass from Pedro Viet. Despite Ecuador’s impressive start, Ivory Coast gradually improved in the contest through the lively Yann Diomandi.
The 19-year-old Leipzig striker, who became the first teenager to represent Ivory Coast at a World Cup, was constantly troubling the Ecuadorian defense with his pace and directness. His dangerous passes created numerous chances, including one that saw Elie Wahi hit the crossbar in the 52nd minute.
Wood negates both sides before the critical strike
The second half remained open, with Ecuador captain Enner Valencia and Gonzalo Plata threatening, while goalkeeper Yahya Fofana made brilliant saves to keep the African side level.With Ecuador’s unbeaten run at 19 matches, Ivory Coast took advantage of the decisive moment. Diallo, who came on midway through the second half, proved to be the difference-maker, sending the visiting fans into wild celebrations with his stoppage-time goal.After returning to football’s biggest stage after a 12-year absence, Ivory Coast has taken a big step towards reaching the knockout stage for the first time in its history.They will then face four-time world champion Germany, while Ecuador will seek to regain its balance against Curacao, which participated in the World Cup for the first time.