Philadelphia. Amad Diallo scored in the 90th minute to lift Ivory Coast to a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in its first World Cup appearance in 12 years.

The teams combined to hit the crossbar three times before the Manchester United winger — who entered as a substitute in the 56th minute — broke through with a left-footed shot from just inside the penalty area that beat diving goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez. Wilfried Singo set up the goal with a strong run down the right flank.

Making its fourth World Cup appearance and first since 2014, Ivory Coast took a major step toward reaching the knockout stage for the first time. Ecuador saw its 19-game unbeaten streak end with its first loss since a 1-0 defeat to Brazil on Sept. 6, 2024.

Elye Wahi hit the crossbar in the 52nd minute for Ivory Coast after Ecuador's John Yeboah and Nilson Angulo struck the woodwork in the first half.

Ecuador, making its fifth World Cup appearance and seeking a second trip to the knockout round, was effectively playing a home match at Lincoln Financial Field, where most of the crowd of 68,274 wore the yellow jerseys of La Tri.

Ecuador looked dangerous before Diallo's winner. Its best chance after halftime came in the 68th minute when Gonzalo Plata unleashed a hard shot from about 25 yards that goalkeeper Yahia Fofana parried away.

Ivory Coast was energized by the attacking play of Yan Diomande. The Leipzig forward created several scoring opportunities, particularly down the right side, including Wahi's near goal on a flick following Diomande's driven cross.

Ivory Coast, which did not concede a goal while going 8-0-2 in 10 qualifying matches, next faces four-time World Cup champion Germany, which defeated Curaçao 7-1 earlier Sunday in Group E. Ecuador will meet Curaçao. Both matches are scheduled for June 20.

Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessié set the tone for the physical play of Les Éléphants with a hard foul in the fourth minute. Kessié later picked up one of three yellow cards issued to Ivory Coast in the opening half, all for reckless challenges. Ecuador's Jackson Porozo was cautioned in the 73rd minute.

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