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Amad's last-minute strike lifts Ivory Coast past Ecuador

7/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Amad scored a dramatic last-minute winner that gave Ivory Coast a 1-0 World Cup victory over Ecuador.
He later netted a left-corner strike in Ivory Coast’s 2-1 round-of-32 win over Norway, finishing the tournament with two goals and four assists.
He had been United’s best player until February 2025, scoring a December 2024 winner versus Manchester City and an equaliser at Anfield, and returned to Carrington after his World Cup performances.

History

Historical Context

In January-February 2015 CAF moved the Africa Cup of Nations to Equatorial Guinea after Morocco withdrew over Ebola. Ivory Coast, coached by Hervé Renard and led by Didier Drogba, captured their second title by beating Ghana 9-8 on penalties after a goalless final. The 2015 knockout resilience is cited as a template for the team’s current World Cup ambitions.

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Story summary

Amad scored a dramatic last-minute winner that gave Ivory Coast a 1-0 World Cup victory over Ecuador.
He later netted a left-corner strike in Ivory Coast’s 2-1 round-of-32 win over Norway, finishing the tournament with two goals and four assists.
He had been United’s best player until February 2025, scoring a December 2024 winner versus Manchester City and an equaliser at Anfield, and returned to Carrington after his World Cup performances.

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