Nigeria, June 15 -- Amad Diallo came off the bench to score a dramatic late winner as Cote d'Ivoire secured Africa's first victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ecuador on Sunday.

Following South Africa's 2-0 defeat to hosts Mexico and Morocco's impressive 1-1 draw against Brazil, the Elephants carried the continent's hopes of recording a first win at the expanded tournament.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 90th minute when Manchester United winger Diallo finished from inside the penalty area after a surging run and assist from Wilfried Singo.

The goal capped a closely contested encounter in Philadelphia, where both sides struck the woodwork and created several scoring opportunities.

Ecuador came c...