Manchester United winger Amad Diallo proved to be the match-winner as Ivory Coast defeated Ecuador 1-0 in Philadelphia.
The Manchester United forward scored a superb 90th-minute winner to settle the contest in dramatic fashion at the death.
Amad has been one of the more exciting young wingers in European football, and his ability to influence games in big moments was on full display here.
The goal arrived right at the death, denying Ecuador any opportunity to respond and securing all three points for the Ivory Coast.
It was the kind of decisive contribution that will only strengthen Amad’s reputation on the international stage as a player capable of delivering in crucial situations.
Ivory Coast were made to work hard throughout the encounter, with Ecuador proving to be stubborn and disciplined opponents for much of the match.
The West African side could not find a way through for the vast majority of the game, with the deadlock looking increasingly likely to hold as the clock ticked down.
Amad’s late intervention changed everything, however, as his superb finish gave the goalkeeper no chance and sent the Ivory Coast supporters into raptures.
The victory will provide a significant boost to Ivory Coast’s confidence, and the result demonstrates their quality when games are on the line in big international fixtures.
For Ecuador, it is a painful defeat having been so close to earning what would have been a creditable draw against strong opposition in Philadelphia.
Amad will return to club duties at Manchester United having enhanced his growing reputation with yet another important goal at a high level of competition.
