🇸🇳SenegalWest Africa
Ivory Coast defeats Ecuador with a late goal from Amad Diallo
via SeneNews2 min read
Ivory Coast secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Ecuador in a tightly contested match. Ecuador started strong, with Moisés Caicedo's early shot and the mobility of Gonzalo Plata and John Yeboah creating pressure. Enner Valencia also had opportunities but lacked precision. Ivory Coast gradually found their rhythm, with Franck Kessié and Seko Fofana working to stabilize the midfield and Yan Diomandé creating danger. Ecuador remained a threat, hitting the crossbar twice through Alan Minda. The first half ended goalless, despite numerous chances for both sides, including efforts from Elye Wahi, Nicolas Pépé, and Valencia. The second half saw an increased tempo, with Valencia hitting the post for Ecuador and Wahi striking the crossbar for Ivory Coast. Substitutions, including Amad Diallo and Ange-Yoan Bonny for Ivory Coast, injected new energy. The match became more fragmented in the final quarter, but the tension remained high. In the 90th minute, Wilfried Singo delivered a precise cut-back pass from the right flank, which Amad Diallo converted with a well-placed shot from the edge of the box, securing a late victory for Ivory Coast. Ecuador, despite a strong performance and numerous chances, was left frustrated.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Ivory Coast and Ecuador faced off in a World Cup 2026 group stage match on June 14, 2026, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, with the game ending in a 0-0 draw. The match, officiated by French referee François Letexier, saw both teams create scoring opportunities but fail to convert. Ivory Coast, coached by Emerse Fae, started in a 4-4-2 formation with Yahia Fofana in goal, a defense of Guéla Doué, Wilfried Singo, Emmanuel Agbadou, and Ghislain Konan. The midfield featured Franck Kessié, Seko Fofana, Yan Diomande, and Bazoumana Touré, supporting forwards Elye Wahi and Nicolas Pépé. Ecuador, under Sebastian Beccacece, deployed a 3-4-3 setup. Hernán Galíndez was in goal, with a back three of Joël Ordóñez, Willian Pacho, and Piero Hincapié. The midfield included Moisés Caicedo, Pedro Vite, Alan Franco, and Alan Minda. The attacking trio consisted of Enner Valencia, Gonzalo Plata, and John Yeboah. Early in the first half, Ecuador showed more initiative, with Moisés Caicedo's powerful shot narrowly missing the target in the 2nd minute. Enner Valencia also had a significant chance in the 11th minute but shot over the bar. Ivory Coast struggled with precision in their passes, allowing Ecuador to control the tempo. However, the Ivorian defense, particularly Emmanuel Agbadou, made crucial interventions to deny Ecuador. Towards the end of the first half, Ivory Coast began to regain possession, with Elye Wahi and Bazoumana Touré creating some dangerous moments, though their eff
Ivory Coast has revealed its starting lineup for the decisive 2026 World Cup match against Ecuador. The team, aiming to make an impact on the international stage, features a blend of experience and talent. Yahia Fofana will be in goal, supported by a defensive line of Guéla Doué, Wilfried Singo, Emmanuel Agbadou, and Ghislain Konan. In midfield, captain Franck Kessié will lead alongside Seko Fofana and Bazoumana Touré. The attacking trio consists of Nicolas Pépé on the right, Yan Diomandé in an offensive support role, and Elye Wahi as the striker. This lineup is expected to combine defensive solidity with rapid transitions.
The Netherlands and Japan have revealed their starting lineups for their 2026 World Cup group stage match, scheduled for Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 8:00 PM Dakar time. The Netherlands, under coach Ronald Koeman, enters the tournament with high ambitions after reaching the quarterfinals in the previous edition. Despite recent mixed results, including a 1-0 loss to Algeria and a narrow 2-1 win against Uzbekistan, the Dutch team features a talented squad. Their lineup in a 4-3-3 formation includes Bart Verbruggen in goal, a defense of Denzel Dumfries, Jan-Paul van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk, and Micky van de Ven. The midfield will see Frenkie de Jong, Ryan Gravenberch, and Tijjani Reijnders, with Donyell Malen leading the attack, supported by Crysencio Summerville and Cody Gakpo. Japan will play in a 3-4-3 formation, with Zion Suzuki as goalkeeper. The defensive trio consists of Hiroki Ito, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, and Shogo Taniguchi. Kaishu Sano and Daichi Kamada will anchor the midfield, while Ritsu Doan and Keito Nakamura will operate on the wings. Ayase Ueda will be the central striker, flanked by Takefusa Kubo and Daizen Maeda.