Manchester United winger Amad Diallo scored a superb 90th-minute winner on Sunday, 14 June, as Cote d’Ivoire beat Ecuador in Philadelphia, US, becoming the first African nation in this year’s World Cup to win a match so far.
Last Thursday, in the tournament’s opening game, at the iconic Azteca Stadium, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana fell 0-2 to co-hosts Mexico and bagged two red cards to the bargain.
On Saturday, Morocco were held by tournament favourites Brazil to a 1-1 draw.
It was a stunning finish as substitute Amad opened his left foot to divert the ball into the corner after a powerful run from Wilfried Singo – and it ended a 19-game unbeaten run stretching for almost two years for Ecuador.
Amad was a surprise exclusion from Cote d’Ivoire’s starting line-up on their return to the World Cup for the first time in 12 years.
But he made a major impact with the winner which gives them a huge chance to qualify out of Group E – which also includes Germany and Curacao, their game earlier ending in a 7-1 drubbing of the latter – and reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
Ecuador hit the woodwork three times but could not find a breakthrough as John Yeboah and Alan Minda struck the bar in the first half.
Veteran striker Enner Valencia then hit the post from a tight angle in the second half for the South American side.
It was an even game, though Ecuador did not have a shot on target until the 68th minute when Gonzalo Plata forced Ivorian keeper Yahia Fofana into a save.
Cote d’Ivoire also hit the woodwork when Nice forward Elye Wahi shot against the bar early in the second half.
It looked like Ecuador, who had previously kept 12 clean sheets in 19 games under manager Sebastian Beccacece, had done enough to stifle the Ivorian attack including star man Yan Diomande until Amad found the winner.
Cote d’Ivoire will take on Germany on Saturday 20 June at 21:00 BST at BMO Field in Toronto,Canada.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Player acknowledges cheers after the goal.
