Ivory Coast winger Amad Diallo came off the bench to hit a winner against Ecuador to get Africa its first victory at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Diallo scored a 90th-minute winner as Ivory Coast edged Ecuador in a breathless contest in which the woodwork was struck four times in Philadelphia, United States.

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 the Ivorians 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 could not keep it down, and it cannoned off the bar.

Ivory Coast 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 Ivorians to second on the log in Group E, behind Germany.

In other matches involving African sides on Match Day 1, Morocco held Brazil to a 1-1 draw, but Tunisia were hammered 5-1 by Sweden.