Ivory Coast left it late but ended Ecuador’s 19-game unbeaten run with a 1-0 victory in their World Cup Group E encounter in Philadelphia on Sunday.
It looked as though the game would end in a goalless draw until Amad Diallo popped up with a winner in the 90th minute to hand the West African side a precious three points. Here are the ratings of the Ivorian players.
Yahia Fofana (7): A clean sheet and some fine saves from the 25-year-old, who has cemented his place as the Ivory Coast’s No 1. He was twice saved by the crossbar, but will be delighted with a shutout at the World Cup.
Guela Doue (7): Booked in the first half and eventually taken off for his own good as a second yellow loomed, but he worked hard from right-back and had several strong forays forward.
Wilfried Singo (8): A rock at the back for the Ivorians, he made several telling challenges and blocks, even if the defence was under pressure at times. Was strong in the air and even came up with the assist.
Emmanuel Agbadou (8): The centre-back also had a fine game, though he did have one giveaway that led to a shooting chance for Ecuador. But he won eight of his 11 duels and had 94 per cent passing accuracy.
Ghislain Konan (6): Came under huge pressure at times and Ecuador enjoyed success down his left flank. He won only two of his seven duels, which is too low a per centage.
Yan Diomande (8): The outstanding player on the pitch, he created several big chances with his trickery on the wing. He had four successful dribbles, the most of any player in the game. Cemented his reputation as a real talent.
Franck Kessie (7): Worked hard as ever but the midfield was overrun at times. Still, he was solid, though he did pick up a booking and will be wary of not getting one in the next game against Germany or he will serve a suspension.
Seko Fofana (7): Had four shots at goal but was not successful with any of them. He completed 33 of his 36 passes, including seven from nine in the final third.
Bazoumana Toure (6): Not really his night as he was sloppy in possession and failed to create much from the wing. Only completed six of his 15 passes, which is too low a ratio. Taken off after 56 minutes.
Nicolas Pepe (7): Looked lively up front and linked up well with teammates, with five progressive carries and 90 per cent passing accuracy. He remains an important player for the side with his experience.
Elye Wahi (6): Missed two big chances, including one in which he struck the crossbar from Diomande’s pass. He will feel he should have scored in this game.
Ange-Yoan Bonny (6): Came on for Wahi after 56 minutes and was lively with a couple of progressive carries.
Amad Diallo (8): Also came on after 56 minutes and came up with the winning goal, which was well taken with a placed shot from the edge of the box. It continues his excellent form in the Ivorian shirt.
Christ Inao Oulai, Odilon Kossounou and Ibrahim Sangare were not on the pitch long enough for a rating.
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