World Cup 2026: Amad fires Africa to first victory as Cote d'Ivoire edge Ecuador

Africa celebrated its first victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic late strike from Amad secured a 1-0 win for Cote d'Ivoire against Ecuador on Monday.

The Elephants looked destined to settle for a goalless draw in their opening Group E encounter before Amad produced a moment of brilliance in the 90th minute to hand the 2023 African champions all three points.

The victory marks the first win for an African nation at the expanded 48-team World Cup and provides a major boost to the continent's hopes of making a deep run in the tournament.

Ivory Coast had to withstand significant pressure from Ecuador throughout the contest.

The South Americans came close to breaking the deadlock on several occasions, hitting the crossbar twice in the first half and creating several clear-cut opportunities.

However, the Ivorians remained resilient at the back and punished their opponents late in the game, when Amad scored the breakthrough, sparking wild celebrations among players and supporters.

The result sees Ivory Coast join Germany at the top of Group E on three points after the Europeans earlier thrashed Curacao 7-1 in the group's other fixture.

With the tournament expanded from 32 to 48 teams, ten nations are representing Africa in this year's competition. Ivory Coast's victory provides the continent with its first success after the opening round of matches.

South Africa, Morocco, Ivory Coast and Tunisia have already begun their campaigns, while Ghana, Egypt, Algeria, DR Congo and Cabo Verde are still preparing to play their opening fixtures.

By Herbert Boakye Yiadom