Ivory Coast media react to late Amad Diallo winner on World Cup debut
Image Credits: Imago Images
Amad Diallo made his World Cup debut for Ivory Coast against Ecuador as the Elephants returned to the tournament for the first time since 2014.
Although he impressed during the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, including scoring and winning the Man of the Match award against Cameroon, the Manchester United winger was named among the substitutes for Ivory Coast’s Group E opener.
Manager Emerse Fae opted for a more experienced starting attack as Ivory Coast looked to begin their campaign positively.
The game proved to be a difficult one.
Ecuador caused plenty of problems in the opening half and twice struck the woodwork.
Goalkeeper Yahia Fofana was called into action on several occasions to keep the score level.
Ivory Coast improved after the break and Fae turned to his bench in the 55th minute, introducing Amad in search of a winning goal.
The decision paid off.
The United star immediately added pace and directness to the attack.
He then found the breakthrough in the 90th minute, calmly converting Wilfried Singo’s cross to hand the Elephants a dramatic 1-0 victory.
It was Amad’s first World Cup appearance and his first World Cup goal.
Ivorian media have now been reacting to the performance and the impact the winger made.
Fraternite Matin highlighted that the encounter was “Ultimately decided in the final minutes thanks to one man: Amad Diallo.”
The outlet also praised the substitute’s influence.
They wrote that his “impact was immediately felt” after coming onto the pitch before he appeared “at the opportune moment” to score the winning goal.
Sport Ivoire focused on the history made by the Manchester United winger.
The publication reported that Amad Diallo had become the youngest Ivorian goalscorer at a World Cup since 2006, breaking the previous record held by Bakari Kone.
Sport Ivoire also carried the 23-year-old’s post-match comments.
The forward refused to get carried away despite his heroics.
“The most important thing is the three points. Now we need to stay focused on the next two matches,” Amad said.
Although Mateus Cunha featured against Morocco on Saturday night, Amad Diallo has become the first United player to score at the 2026 World Cup.
The victory leaves Ivory Coast second in Group E behind Germany, who defeated former United midfielder Tahith Chong’s Curacao 7-1 in their opening fixture.
Attention now turns to a huge clash against Germany on June 20.
Amad could have another opportunity to build on a dream start to his World Cup journey.
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