Amad Diallo scored a late goal to give Ivory Coast a 1-0 victory over Ecuador on Tuesday in Philadelphia, ending Ecuador’s 19-game unbeaten run. The match marked Ivory Coast’s return to the World Cup stage after a 12-year absence.

The decisive moment came in the 90th minute when Diallo, who had entered the match as a substitute in the 56th minute, fired a left-footed shot from just inside the penalty area. Prior to the goal, both teams hit the crossbar a combined three times, reflecting an intense and tightly contested encounter.

Ecuador had maintained an impressive run without defeat since a 1-0 loss to Brazil on September 6, 2024. The result was a milestone for Ivory Coast, which had struggled to qualify for the tournament in recent years. The win could bolster their confidence as the group stage progresses.

The match took place in Philadelphia and showcased a strategic battle between two sides with contrasting recent histories. Ecuador’s unbeaten streak had established them as a formidable team, while Ivory Coast’s victory signaled a potential resurgence on the international stage.

As the tournament unfolds, both teams will look to build on this result—Ivory Coast aiming to capitalize on the momentum of their maiden goal and victory, and Ecuador seeking to rebound from their first loss in nearly two years.