Amad came off the bench to strike in the 90th minute, giving Ivory Coast a 1-0 win over Ecuador in their World Cup Group E opener at Philadelphia Stadium. The Manchester United winger ended Ecuador’s 20-match unbeaten run, and the result immediately strengthened Ivory Coast’s chances of reaching the knockout rounds for the first time.

The contest in South Philadelphia followed predictions of a tight, tactical meeting. Ivory Coast had progressed through CAF qualifying without conceding, while Ecuador allowed only five goals in CONMEBOL and recorded eight goalless draws. That defensive history contrasted with Germany’s earlier goal-filled victory over their Group E rivals in Houston on the same Sunday.

Ecuador started with more of the ball and fielded a line-up containing no Ecuador-based players for the first time at a World Cup. Moises Caicedo was cleared to play after a proposed ban was overturned, and the Chelsea midfielder controlled much of the early play. Yet La Tri still failed to score despite twice crashing shots against the bar.

John Yeboah went close when a sweeping left-footed effort clipped the crossbar, then Alan Minda’s first-time strike also struck the woodwork. Later, midway through the second half, Gonzalo Plata produced Ecuador’s first effort on target, driving from 20 yards and forcing Yahia Fofana into a sharp save low to the goalkeeper’s right.

Ivory Coast grew stronger after half-time, helped by fresh attacking options from the bench, including Amad. Elye Wahi then became the third player to curse the frame of the goal when meeting Yan Diomande’s inviting cross, his effort bouncing off the bar seven minutes into the second period as Ecuador’s defence finally began to show signs of strain.

The decisive move arrived with the match drifting towards a goalless finish. Wilfried Singo surged from deep in the final seconds of normal time and drove towards the area. Singo then slid a square pass across goal, and Amad guided a first-time shot into the far corner, sealing a victory that could shape Ivory Coast’s entire World Cup campaign.

Earlier, Ivory Coast had created the first clear openings despite Ecuador’s bright start. Bazoumana Toure flashed a low cross-shot towards the near post, where Hernan Galindez reacted well to tip the ball wide. Soon after, Galindez comfortably claimed a tame attempt from Wahi, before Alan Franco’s superb sliding challenge denied Nicolas Pepe in the 35th minute.

The crossbar was a constant presence across the 90 minutes, frustrating both teams and keeping the scoreline level until late on. Yeboah and Minda were inches away from opening Ecuador’s tournament account, while Wahi’s second-half attempt for Ivory Coast also grazed the top of the goal frame. Those fine margins kept tension high before Amad’s composed finish finally settled matters.

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