MANCHESTER United winger Amad Diallo came off the bench to score a stunning late winner as Ivory Coast defeated Ecuador 1-0 in Philadelphia, while Sweden produced a ruthless attacking display to beat Tunisia 5-1 and move to the top of Group F.
Ivory Coast’s victory was secured in dramatic fashion when Amad struck in the 90th minute to end Ecuador’s impressive 19-match unbeaten run, a streak that had stretched for almost two years. The substitute showed remarkable composure, opening up his body to guide the ball into the far corner after a powerful run and assist from Wilfried Singo.
The decisive goal capped a memorable night for the Elephants, who are making their first World Cup appearance in 12 years. Amad had been a surprise omission from the starting line-up, but his late intervention could prove crucial in Ivory Coast’s quest to reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history. The result gives them a significant advantage in Group E, which also features Germany and Curacao.
The contest itself was evenly balanced, with both sides creating opportunities. Ecuador came agonisingly close on several occasions, striking the woodwork three times. John Yeboah and Alan Minda both rattled the crossbar during the first half, while veteran striker Enner Valencia hit the post from a tight angle after the break. Despite enjoying spells of pressure, Ecuador did not register a shot on target until the 68th minute, when Gonzalo Plata forced Ivorian goalkeeper Yahia Fofana into action.
Ivory Coast also threatened, with Nice forward Elye Wahi hitting the crossbar early in the second half. Ecuador, who had recorded 12 clean sheets in 19 matches under coach Sebastian Beccacece, appeared to have successfully neutralised much of Ivory Coast’s attacking threat, including highly rated star Yan Diomande. However, they could not keep out Amad when it mattered most.
The winning goal continued Amad’s resurgence on the international stage. The winger endured a difficult second half of the season at Old Trafford despite Manchester United’s strong campaign, which ended with a third-place finish and UEFA Champions League qualification. His last club goal came in December during a thrilling 4-4 Premier League draw against Bournemouth. Yet, since rejoining the national team, he has rediscovered his scoring touch, having also netted the winner in Ivory Coast’s 2-1 warm-up victory over back-to-back World Cup finalists France earlier this month.
With attention largely focused on Diomande before the match, it was Amad who emerged as the hero on a huge night for his country. Ivory Coast will now face Germany before taking on Curacao, knowing that another victory would guarantee a place in the knockout rounds for the first time in four attempts, while even a draw could be enough to secure progression.
In Monterrey, Sweden made an emphatic start to their campaign by overwhelming Tunisia 5-1 in a match inspired by Premier League stars Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres. Liverpool forward Isak marked his first World Cup appearance with a trademark goal, thumping a low finish into the corner after a powerful run from the left midway through the first half.
The move highlighted Sweden’s attacking quality. Gyokeres, now with Arsenal, held off his marker near the halfway line before releasing Isak, whose finish doubled Sweden’s lead after Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari had already opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a stunning strike into the top corner following a defensive mistake by Tunisia.
Ayari’s goal carried special significance. The 22-year-old, who made his senior Sweden debut while on loan at Coventry City in 2023, chose not to celebrate after scoring against the country of his father’s birth. The strike also made him Sweden’s youngest World Cup goalscorer since Tomas Brolin in 1990.
Tunisia briefly threatened a comeback when defender Omar Rekik headed home from Hannibal Mejbri’s free-kick two minutes before halftime to reduce the deficit. However, Sweden quickly reasserted their authority after the break.
Isak turned creator in the second half, first setting up Gyokeres on the hour mark before producing another assist 24 minutes later. His second contribution helped substitute Mattias Svanberg make history, as the midfielder scored just 12 seconds after entering the field, the fastest goal by a substitute in World Cup history.
There was still time for Ayari to put the finishing touches on a magnificent Swedish performance. The midfielder blasted home his second long-range effort of the night and Sweden’s fifth goal, completing a commanding victory that sent Graham Potter’s side to the summit of Group F and underlined their credentials as serious contenders in the tournament.