Ivory Coast vs Ecuador: Emerse Faé analyzes the Elephants' first victory

Africa Today at 00:20

Nafongo TRAORE

News Editor

14.06.26 FT World Cup

Ivory Coast

1

:

Ecuador

0

In a thrilling encounter, Ivory Coast overcame Ecuador on June 14 in their debut at the 2026 World Cup. After Ecuador dominated the first half, the Elephants found the magic formula late in the second half thanks to substitutions made by coach Emerse Faé.

"We expected a tough match, and that’s exactly what we got. We struggled to get into the rhythm of the game. What stands out is that we remained strong and united," Faé analyzed.

The second half changed everything. The coach’s tactical adjustments paid off in a big way.

We came back in the second half after correcting our first-half mistakes and snatched the win.

Amad Diallo came off the bench to score the winning goal in the 90th minute after a brilliant run from Wilfried Singo. The Elephants now sit second in Group E.

Related teams and leagues

Ivory Coast

Ecuador

World Cup