Ivory Coast shocks Ecuador to open their Group E account, and Diallo scores in injury time.

Encouraged by an impressive victory over France earlier this month, the Ivory Coast nearly scored an early goal when Hernan Galindez had to make a low stop at full stretch due to a calm strike from Bazoumana Toure.

In a fast-paced first half that saw Ecuador score the frame of Yahia Fofana’s goal either side of the refreshment break, that turned out to be one of several excellent opportunities.

Before Alan Minda found the same piece of woodwork after Pedro Vite’s skillful through ball sent him through on goal, John Yeboah almost benefited from Sebastian Beccacece’s high-press strategy when he pounced on Emmanuel Agbadou’s miscontrol outside the box and whipped a fierce left-foot shot against the crossbar.

That same crossbar continued to be a source of anguish when play restarted in the second quarter, but this time it denied Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi, who was teed up by the dangerous Yan Diomande and swept a first-time shot into the post.

Gonzalo Plata stung the goalkeeper’s gloves with a strong effort that energized the sizable Ecuadorian crowd in Philadelphia, and La Tri eventually recaptured their danger from the first period after withstanding some Ivory Coast pressure.

The South Americans looked to be headed for a helpful point despite their inability to overcome Fofana, but they were taken aback by Amad Diallo’s spectacular, late winner.

Ecuador suffered their first loss since September 2024 as Wilfried Singo charged forward from his own half and drove into the area before laying the ball across for the Manchester United player to direct it out of Galindez’s reach.

La Tri clearly understands that they cannot afford to lose to tournament rookies Curaçao if they are to prevent a repetition of their group-stage elimination in Qatar, while the ecstatic champions will carry momentum into a challenging match against four-time World Cup winners Germany.