Manchester United winger Amad Diallo has expressed his delight after helping Côte d’Ivoire secure a hard-fought victory over Ecuador, reports Completesports.com reports.
The Elephants started their campaign at the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 1-0 victory over the South Americans at the Philadelphia Stadium.
Both teams struck the woodwork four times in the keenly contested encounter.
The match 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.
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Amad Talks Up Important Win
Despite the victory, Amad stressed the importance of staying focused, insisting that Côte d’Ivoire must now turn their attention to their remaining two group-stage matches.
“We needed that. We came here to make history. We still have two more matches ahead of us, and we need to approach them with the same mentality and try to win them,” Amad was quoted by FIFA.com.
” We had to stay focused. We knew it was going to be a difficult match because we know the Ecuadorian players – they’re physically very strong. They caused us problems, of course, but we stayed composed and remained focused.”
Next Test For Elephants
The West Africans sit in second position in Group E behind former champions Germany, who thrashed debutants Curaçao 7-1 in their first game.
Cote d’Ivoire will face the Europeans in their next game at the Toronto Stadium on Saturday, 20 June.
By Adeboye Amosu
1 Comment
Cote d’ivoire proved last night against Ecuador that their three victories against European opposition,one against France is not a fluke. France was owned right in Nantes by the Elephants who have risen to a world class team.
Coached by an indigenous lad who understands the players and how to get the most out of them.I see a team good enough for the last 8,seriously I believe they have the quality to progress further in this competition.
They,alongside Senegal and Morocco are capable of getting to the last 8 even beyond. They’re as good as the best we have out there.
African football has developed and has caught up with their European and South American counterparts. A testament Afcon is a class competition,the European and Copa American version not better,Jamie Caragher take note..I am sure he’s stunned by what he has seen of Cote d’ivoire and Morocco so far,Senegal too will make Africa proud.I am rooting for African countries,we deserve respect and I’m sure after this world Cup,the likes of Jamie Caragher will see African teams differently, we sure have come of age.I won’t be surprised a team from Africa wins it,we not far of..