Monrovia, Liberia – Côte d’Ivoire defeated Ecuador 1-0 in the early hours of Monday, becoming the first African country to record a victory in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup. Both teams created opportunities in a thrilling match that saw the woodwork struck four times, but it looked like the Group E match would conclude in a goalless draw.
But in the ninetieth minute, substitute Amad Diallo scored the game-winning goal for Côte d’Ivoire, neatly putting his effort into the bottom corner to seal all three points. The Ivorian players and supporters including Africa celebrated the late winner with joy as the Elephants secured a pivotal victory in their tournament debut.
Côte d’Ivoire is now in second place in Group E, behind leaders Germany, who defeated Curaçao 7-1 to start their World Cup campaign. Yan Diomande won Outstanding Player of the Match even though Diallo helped win the game.
In addition, the 19-year-old made history by being the first adolescent to play for Côte d’Ivoire in a FIFA World Cup match. With the Elephants making a powerful statement in their attempt to go on from the group stage, Côte d’Ivoire’s victory gives African football an early boost at the world championship.
