Ivory Coast made a statement on their return to the FIFA World Cup, defeating Ecuador 1-0 thanks to a dramatic late winner from Amad Diallo.

With the match seemingly heading towards a goalless draw, the Manchester United winger produced a moment of brilliance in the 90th minute. After a powerful run from defender Wilfried Singo, Amad collected the ball before curling a precise left-footed finish into the bottom corner to spark wild celebrations among the Ivorian supporters in Philadelphia.

The result not only gives the Elephants a crucial three points in Group E but also ends Ecuador's impressive 19-match unbeaten run, which had stretched almost two years.

Ecuador will feel unfortunate not to have taken something from the game. The South Americans struck the woodwork three times, with John Yeboah and Alan Minda both rattling the crossbar in the first half before veteran captain Enner Valencia hit the post after the break.

Ivory Coast also came close to breaking the deadlock earlier in the match when striker Elye Wahi saw his effort crash against the crossbar.

Despite the chances at both ends, neither side could find the breakthrough until Amad stepped off the bench to deliver when it mattered most.

The victory is particularly significant for Ivory Coast, who are appearing at the World Cup for the first time in 12 years. The win puts them in a strong position to qualify from a group that also contains Germany and Curacao.

While much of the pre-tournament attention surrounded exciting young talent Yan Diomande, it was Amad who once again became the hero for his country. The winger has rediscovered his goalscoring touch on the international stage, having also scored the winner in Ivory Coast's final warm-up match against France.

Speaking after the game, Amad made the team's ambitions clear.

"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."

Ivory Coast now turn their attention to a huge clash against Germany, knowing another victory would secure qualification to the knockout stages and move them one step closer to making World Cup history.

For now, however, the spotlight belongs to Amad Diallo, whose late intervention has given the Elephants the perfect start to their campaign.